Bajzát earns Debrecen draw

Lithuanian first division leaders FK Ekranas and Hungary's Debreceni VSC played out a 1-1 draw in their UEFA Cup qualifying round first leg in Panevezys.

Early onslaught
Ekranas attacked hungrily from the outset in front of their home fans, forcing frenzied clearances from the visiting defenders who were immediately put on to the back foot. The early pressure paid dividends in the 17th minute when Aurimas Kucys broke clear down the right flank and clipped in a ball for Povilas Luksys, whose diving header arrowed into the net.

Penalty save
The visitors almost made amends three minutes later when the referee awarded Debreceni a penalty after Peter Halmosi was brought down by goalkeeper Arvydas Skrupskis. The custodian made amends, though, parrying Tibor Selymes's shot.

Bajzath equalizer
Edgaras Cesnauskis threatened to increase the home lead seconds before the break, but steered his effort centimetres wide. The equaliser eventually arrived in the 74th minute, substitute Peter Bajzath tapping in Zolatan Csehi's centre from close range.

Mixed reaction
Ekranas coach Virginijus Liubsys said afterwards: "My team played pretty well but we came apart at the end of the game." His Debreceni counterpart, Lazar Szentes, said: "They played fast football but both teams missed too many chances."