AZ come unstuck in Samara
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Article summary
FC Krylya Sovetov Samara 5-3 AZ Alkmaar The 2005/06 UEFA Cup first round got off to a dramatic start as last season's semi-finalists lost in Russia.
Article body
Level terms
The side who are currently fourth from bottom in the Russian Premier-Liga took the lead in the eleventh minute as Leilton hooked in Baba Adamu's cross from the middle of the penalty area, but the Dutch Eredivisie leaders were level within nine minutes as Ron Vlaar rifled in an equaliser from 20 metres.
Adamu header
AZ could have gone ahead through the lively Kenneth Perez but he was twice denied by Krylya Sovetov goalkeeper Eduardo Eugenio Lobos before Adamu controlled a long pass from Vitali Bulyga, teased a defender and slotted the ball beyond visiting No1 Henk Timmer to restore the hosts' advantage before half-time.
Kovba strike
Four minutes after the interval, Krylya Sovetov were 3-1 up as Florin Soava's corner was met by Belarussian international Denis Kovba, who rose highest in the box to head the ball into the top corner of Timmer's net. However, AZ were far from beaten, and reduced the deficit on 58 minutes through a terrific rising strike from Perez. Ukrainian international Andriy Husin made it 4-2 five minutes later, but the goals did not stop flowing.
Final word
Dutch international Barry van Galen pulled another goal back for AZ, converting Shota Arveladze's through-ball, but Krylya Sovetov ensured they would take a two-goal cushion into the return leg as Anton Bober poked in a fifth in added time.