RSCA 2-1 Ludogorets (pen. 3-0)

On Thursday evening, RSCA hosted PFC Ludogorets at Lotto Park for the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Without Zeno Debast (injured) and Amir Murillo (suspended), Brian Riemer was forced to change his starting line-up compared to the last games. The reorganised defence consisted of Moussa N'Diaye, Jan Vertonghen, Killian Sardella and Kristian Arnstad, playing at right-back for the first time. Reminding fans of last summer's game against Young Boys, Sporting (deservedly) qualified in the end.

RSCA made a very good start and opened the score after 15 minutes. A good cross from Francis Amuzu found Islam Slimani, whose shot, somewhat deflected by a defender, ended up in the net: 1-0. The visitors hit back moments later from a set-piece, but Bernard Tekpetey's effort hit the woodwork and Franco Russo's goal was flagged for offside. Sporting could have doubled their lead on two further occasions, but Mario Stroeykens' (an excellent service from Islam Slimani) and Anders Dreyer's (a solid recovery) efforts failed to trouble goalkeeper Sergio Padt. 1-0 at the break.

The Bulgarians had the better start to the second half, but they failed to shoot into the frame and really threaten Bart Verbruggen's goal. After a long hour of play, Sporting put its foot down again. Anders Dreyer's cross allowed Islam Slimani to pass well to Yari Verschaeren, whose leaping cross-shot gave Sergio Padt no chance: 2-0. However, PFC Ludogorets were soon back on level terms on aggregate through Thiago: 2-1. Mario Stroeykens came close twice, but Benito Raman's long-range effort hit the crossbar. Despite the efforts of the home team, extra time was inevitable.

Jakub Piotrowski was shown a second yellow card early on in that extra time and the visitors found themselves a man down. Lior Refaelov's attempt was saved on the goal line by defender Pedro Naressi. Anders Dreyer and Yari Verschaeren had the last good chances, but the Mauves could not avoid the penalty shoot-out. Lior Refaelov, Jan Vertonghen and Yari Verschaeren did not hesitate in this perilous exercise and, above all, Bart Verbruggen stopped the first three Bulgarian attempts to qualify RSCA for the next round.