The University of Craiova was defeated by Sparta Praga with a score of 2-1 (0-0), on Thursday evening, at the “Ion Oblemenco” Stadium in Craiova, in the fifth stage of the Conference League football competition.
University came close to getting a good result, but conceded in the end after missing a penalty at 0-0. Albion Rrahmani (50) and Matej Rynes (89) scored the visitors’ goals, while Steven Nsimba (79) scored for Craiova.
Valiant Czech team imposed their game in Banie and finally got the victory, which ensures their presence in the next stage of the competition.
University had the first notable chance of the game, through Etim (10), who shot from an angle after a loose ball from the visitors, but goalkeeper Vindahl denied.
Sparta was dangerous through Rrahmani and Mercado, but their shots (20) were blocked by the Craiova defense. Ecuadorian Mercado sent the ball over the bar (26).
Etim had another opportunity, but shot from 18 meters over the goal (33).
In min. 34, the Nigerian striker was fouled by Sevinsky in the box, and the University received a penalty, confirmed by VAR after a long analysis, but Mekvabișvili (38) shot over the goal from the penalty spot.
Sparta Prague could enter the break in the lead, but Isenko had a sensational reflex on Sevinsky’s header (45+4).
The guests opened the scoring after the break, through Kosovar Albion Rrahmani (ex-Rapid Bucharest), from Haraslin’s pass (50), after a ball lost by Crețu.
Craiova tried to equalize, but Vindahl rejected the ball sent by Cicâldău (54), from a free kick.
University equalized through Frenchman Nsimba (79) with a powerful shot from 24 yards that Vindahl could do nothing about.
The hosts took a step back, Baiaram was replaced by a defender (Stevanovic) and Sparta went back on the attack, managing to score the winning goal through Rynes (89), with a shot in the corner after Preciado’s cross.
The university had a chance to equalize, through Houri (90+4), but the French shot weakly from the box and Vindahl caught.
This is the first defeat since Portuguese coach Filipe Coelho came to the University.
The university remains on seven points after 0-2 with Rakow Czestochowa (away), 1-1 with FC Noah (home), 1-0 with Rapid Vienna (away), 1-0 with Mainz (home) and 1-2 with Sparta Prague (home). The team from Banie has one more match to play, against AEK Athens, on December 18, away.
Source: Agerpres
