Lithuanian Cup holders FC Stumbras were close to their dream but lost 0:2 to Apollon Limassol away and finished their European campaign. Mariano Barreto’s side won first match 1:0 but that was not enough. Narrow exit for Stumbras in Europa League debut against very famous opponent.
More than 5 000 spectators came to GSP Stadium in Nicosia to watch UEFA Europa League game between local giants Apollon Limassol and Stumbras.
Home team started better and scored with their first shot on target when on 7th minute Hector Yuste sent the ball into the net.
Howevew Stumbras answered with very dangerous attack when only last defender managed to stop Nasro Bouchareb who was already in the box almost alone with the keeper.
Apollon controlled the game but Stumbras were playing good football – pressing Cyprus side high on the pitch and trying to attack at any chance. Villela and Nazare made long shots in the first half which ended 0:1 (1:1 on aggregate).
Lithuanians bravely started second half and had two brilliant chances. First Agostinho Ca very dangerous shot almost alone with the goalkeeper was stopped by Apollon goalie and couple of minutes later Matcharashvili got the ball in Apollon but were not ready for such present.
After these shocking moments Apollon managed to come back to the game. Yuste scored on 62th minute once again and Apollon were in front on aggregate – 2:0 (2:1 on aggregate).
In the last 30 minutes Stumbras did everything they could to change the result but Apollon were better and secured the lead. Final result 2:0.
„Stumbras“: Rodrigo Josviaki, Matheus Bissi, Andre Almeida, Jardel Nazare, Lucas Villela, Levan Matcharashvili (74′ Alseny Bah), Lukas Čerkauskas, Rimvydas Sadauskas, Agostinho Cá, Marcos Junior (56′ Dominykas Galkevičius), Nasro Bouchareb (46′ Yuhao Liu).