Legia hang on to 1 – draw in Bucharest
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
22.08.2013 08:22
Legia Warszawa scored what could be a crucial away-goal in a 1 – 1 draw in the first leg of the Champions League play off against Steaua Bucharest in Romania, Wednesday night.
Legia players applaud fans the UEFA Champions League play-off, first leg, soccer match between Steaua Bucharest and Legia Warsaw, at the National Arena stadium in Bucharest, Romania, 21 August: photo - EPA/ROBERT GHEMENT
A win or even a 0 0 draw in the home leg next week would see Legia go through to the Champions League group stage, the first time a Polish side has done so since 1996.
Bucharest's Federico Piovaccari lobbed the ball over the head of an advancing Legia, and Slovak international, keeper Dusan Kuciak to put Bucharest ahead after the 34rd minute, following a half that saw the home side dominate.
Legia coach Jan Urban's half time talk paid dividends in the second half, however, and the visitors began to drive forward looking for the equalizer.
It came eight minutes into the second half with Jakub Kosecki slotting home for Warsaw.
Despite spending much of the rest of the half in defence, Legia – Polish and league and cup winners last season - held on to a vital score draw.
“We have a result we would have wanted before the start of the match and have a real chance of advancing [to the group stage],” Jan Urban said after the final whistle. (pg)