SPORTSWORLD.AM
In the framework of the UEFA Europa League qualifying play-off round, the champion of Armenia, Ararat-Armenia, faced Universitatea Craiova in the first match of the confrontation. Last season, Yerevan's Noah also faced Universitatea Craiova.
The first half was tense: Zidane Banjaki failed to score a goal for the Romanian club, but Ararat-Armenia was helped by a set piece: Artur Serobyan sent the ball from a corner kick into the opponent's penalty area, where Alexandros Malis was on duty, who scored in the 21st minute of the match, opening the score of the match and the confrontation (1:0). The 28-year-old Greek footballer played four matches in the Champions League qualifying round where he failed to score against the opponents and corrected his mistake in this match.
In the 33rd minute of the match, the Romanians restored the balance of the match and the confrontation score (1:1) with a goal from Nikusor Bank. In the second half, passions heated up even more. Sandro Lima came out in front of the opponent's goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation and scored the goal, but the goal was canceled due to offside.
Joao Bravim was more active in the second half than in the first, which meant that from time to time, Ararat-Armenia gave the opponent time to think and attack.
Near the end of the match, Ararat-Armenia organized a good counterattack four on three. Max Karlien directed the ball to Sandro Lima, whose shot was blocked by the opponent's defender.
Craiova was attacking from the wings or with high passes throughout the game. Thus, the teams exchanged one goal each. Let's add that Ararat-Armenia is unbeaten in away games of the 2026/27 Euro Cup. The outcome of the confrontation will be decided a week later at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan.