Salzburg fail to halt Lech bandwagon

KKS Lech Poznań rounded off UEFA Europa League Group A with a 1-0 success at FC Salzburg but were denied top spot by Manchester City FC.

Semir Štilić's drive separated the sides at the Stadion Salzburg and José Maria Bakero's charges would have moved to the summit had Jô not salvaged a point for the English team at Juventus 13 minutes from time.

The opening half-hour did not produce any clear-cut chances despite both teams signalling their attacking intent. The breakthrough, therefore, came slightly by surprise. It was certainly not lacking in quality as Sławomir Peszko latched onto a ball into the box and squared for Štilić to rifle across Alexander Walke with the aid of a slight deflection off Ibrahim Sekagya.

Stung into action, Salzburg came close to levelling when Sekagya's looping header dropped wide of the far post and the hosts then had an effort ruled out for offside against Joaquín Boghossian. The striker was denied again when he lost his footing six metres out with the goal at his mercy as Salzburg finished the half strongly.

Boghossian's troubles continued in a second half in which both sides lacked a creative edge, the 23-year-old swivelling in space before scuffing a tame effort at Krzysztof Kotorowski on 71 minutes with a rare opportunity. Substitute Alan also floundered in front of goal, his mis-hit effort allowing Kotorowski to atone for an errant punch.

Peszko darted between two defenders and slid his shot just wide as Lech looked to put the seal on their victory. Ultimately a second goal was unnecessary as Salzburg's spell without a European success extended to eight matches; they ended their campaign as the phase's lowest goalscorers with a solitary strike.