Poltava "Vorskla" conducted its first official match since December 2021. Moreover, this match was the debut for the team under Viktor Skrypnyk's leadership.

In the second round of the Conference League qualification, Poltava faced Swedish AIK. Due to Russia's military invasion, the home match at this stage had to be played in Stockholm.

"Vorskla" went ahead as early as the 4th minute — Stepaniuk headed in a cross from Kozirenko. This goal was the first for Ukrainian clubs in the new European Cup season. Later, Oliyenko had a decent shot from distance, but the goalkeeper held on.

On the 17th minute, AIK equalized — Stefanelli outmaneuvered Riznyk after his partner's second attempt at a cross. However, soon Poltava were ahead again. This time Kozirenko scored with a second touch from Perduta's free-kick.

Later, the teams exchanged half-chances through Hussein and Stepaniuk. On the 37th minute, Marlon forced a save from the Swedish goalkeeper. However, just before halftime, Larsson scored with a powerful shot from close range to level the score — 2:2.

The second half was uneventful until Viktor Skrypnyk's substitute made an impact. Soon after coming on, Chelyadin delivered a fantastic long-range pass that put "Vorskla" ahead again. In added time, Riznyk saved his Ukrainian team from a powerful shot by Ahmed. Ultimately, Poltava secured the victory — 3:2.

National team goalkeeper Dmitro Riznyk played the full match for "Vorskla."

Conference League-2022/2023. Second Qualifying Round. First Match

"Vorskla" (Ukraine) — AIK (Sweden) — 3:2 (2:2)

Goals: Stepaniuk (4), Kozirenko (24), Chelyadin (69) — Stefanelli (17), Larsson (44).

"Vorskla": Riznyk, Perduta (c), Zaykov, Yavorskyi, Baszula, Kozirenko (Chelyadin, 65), V. Tille (Felipe, 88), Puzlin, Oliyenko, Stepaniuk (Khravchuk, 90+2), Marlon.

Substitutes: Tkachenko, Isen'ko, Yakubu, Kulakovskyi, Krups'kyi, Izotov, Chernysh, Khrypchuk, Melnychuk.

Coach: Viktor Skrypnyk.

AIK: Nordfeldt, Mendes (Lustig, 75, Ring, 88), Milosevic, Papayanopoulos, Otjeheno, Hussein, Stefanelli, Larsson (c), Elbouzedi (Ahmed, 59), Mbunga-Kimpioka (Guedetti, 59), Björnström.

Substitutes: Janoshevic, Henareh, Sisey, Arai, Sitencje, Atola.

Coach: Bartosz Galezak.

Referee: Urs Schneider (Switzerland).

Yellow cards: Perduta (43), Kozirenko (57), Puzlin (79), Stepaniuk (90) — Papayanopoulos (39), Larsson (54), Ring (89), Milosevic (90+1).

July 21. Stockholm. "Stockholm Arena."

The return match will take place in Stockholm on Wednesday, July 27 (kick-off at 8 PM Kyiv time).