BATE bask in euphoria as Slovan reflect
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Article summary
"There is just euphoria," said coach Aleksandr Yermakovich while Egor Filipenko praised FC BATE Borisov's "crazy support" after eliminating a philosophical ŠK Slovan Bratislava.
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• After beating ŠK Slovan Bratislava 3-0 to go through 4-1 overall, FC BATE Borisov are celebrating
• Coach Aleksandr Yermakovich said: "There is just euphoria"
• Egor Filipenko was thrilled to do it at the new Borisov Arena
• Filipenkohas now has his sights on Real Madrid CF in Thursday's group stage draw
• František Straka stated his pride in his UEFA Europa League-bound Slovan team
Aleksandr Yermakovich, BATE coach
We are extremely happy, there is just euphoria. I believed in my team, believed that we would do it. All the matches were hard, we had to show character, the players had to be patient. And this victory is a reward for them. Which opponents were the toughest so far? I don't want to single out any of them, every match was a challenge.
Egor Filipenko, BATE defender
Everyone is happy and full of joy. The atmosphere is fantastic, it was easy to play. The support was crazy, that's why we could not lose.
What is the difference between this qualification for the Champions League and the previous ones? None at all! Speaking seriously, it was one thing to win in Minsk at the Dinamo Stadium and quite another thing to win at home, in Borisov, at such a beautiful arena.
Which opponents would I prefer in the group stage? Real Madrid. Not because I want to play against Cristiano Ronaldo. I just want Real to come here.
František Straka, Slovan Bratislava coach
If you think that I will criticise my team, you are wrong. We have made every effort to realise our dream. Our opponents were better, and until the 66th minute the game was even. We had a huge number of chances. If we had taken them, everything would be different. But BATE punished us.
All I can do is to congratulate our opponents. A month ago we could not imagine that we would play in the Europa League. And now we are there!
Róbert Vittek, Slovan Bratislava forward
Obviously now disappointment is the overwhelming feeling: we did not qualify for the Champions League. Experience paid off for BATE. I regret our missed chances.
However, we will play in the UEFA Europa League, and although now everyone feels upset, one thing is clear – European football has come to Bratislava and we should enjoy it.