Moldovan teams eliminated from Europa League

Thursday, July 26, proved an unlucky day for Moldovan teams in Europe. All of Moldova’s three representatives in the Europa League crashed out of the competition, even though they had good chances to reach the third preliminary round, Info-Prim Neo reports. Milsami Orhei failed to defend the two goal lead from the first leg over Aktobe Kazakhstan and lost the away leg 3-0. The Eagles resisted almost a half, but the hosts, supported by 15,000 fans, then broke their defense. “We played poorly in the first half, when my players looked content to maintain the score line”, declared Milsami coach Serghei Clescenco. Dacia Chisinau failed to capitalize on their first leg 1-0 home victory against Swedish side Elfsborg. This time, the Swedes obtained a 2-0 victory thanks to a first half brace from Lars Nilsson. Zimbru Chisinau, who also were close to qualification in the third preliminary round of the Europa League, lost dramatically in penalties to Switzerland’s Young Boys. The Yellow Wolves canceled the first leg handicap thanks to a goal from Akhmet Barakhoev. The fixture wasn’t decided in extra time either and the game went to penalties, where the guests showed more composure and won 4-1. Moldova has just one team left in European competitions. Sheriff Tiraspol will play next week in the first leg of the third preliminary round of Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb.