Defiant Dudelange hold on to shock Salzburg
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
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FC Salzburg 4-3 F91 Dudelange (agg: 4-4, Dudelange win on away goals)
The ten-man visitors survived a late comeback by the Austrian side to reach the third qualifying round for the first time.
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F91 Dudelange survived a late comeback by FC Salzburg to reach the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round for the first time on away goals.
Aurélien Joachim's first-leg strike gave Didier Philippe's men a slender lead to take into the return in Austria. They duly extended that advantage on 26 minutes when Thierry Steinmetz broke clear on the counterattack before finishing past Alexander Walke with ease.
The hosts hit back two minutes later courtesy of Jakob Jantscher's fierce shot from the right, and they were in front at the break after Martin Hinteregger found himself in the right place at the right time to convert from a corner. The visitors showed their resilience at the beginning of the second half, though, with Joachim scoring his sixth goal in four outings to draw Dudelange level on the night and re-establish their aggregate lead.
Steinmetz's second on 57 minutes stunned Salzburg and seemingly set the seal on a memorable victory for Dudelange. However, they were made to hang on after Sofian Benzouien received his maching orders 16 minutes from time, substitute Cristiano converting from the spot on 81 minutes and Gonzalo Zárate scoring from close range barely 60 seconds later.
The Luxembourger champions survived the late scare and, despite losing on the night, progressed to set up a third qualifying round tie against NK Maribor.