Lugansk "Zorya" played a reply match in Craiova for the third qualifying round of the Conference League against Romanian "Universitatea".

A week ago in Lublin, the black-and-white team secured a minimal victory — 1:0. The reply match between Zorya and Universitatea took place in Craiova, where the opponent of the Ukrainians changed their main coach in between the two matches.

The Romanians managed an early attack and scored a quick goal on the fifth minute. While Ivan's and Banku's shots lacked accuracy, Silva made full use of his chance after a corner kick.

Photo ucv1948.ro

Over time, the Ukrainians equalized the game, but they failed to create truly dangerous moments in the possession of Van Leewen's team. Instead, the Romanians occasionally approached Macapura's goal, and Banku's shots after a pass from a teammate and Pappa's shot after a corner kick were dangerous.

After halftime, Zorya continued to make mistakes, which the opponents took advantage of. On the 53rd minute, Bayaram doubled the hosts' lead with an unstoppable shot following Nazarina's failed clearance. Shortly after, Universitatea scored again — Macapura intercepted a flank pass, and Banku scored with a chip shot after a teammate's pass.

Photo ucv1948.ro

The Ukrainians had opportunities to narrow the gap. Imerekov headed towards goal, Churko's shot was close to the post, and at the end of the match, Christian missed his chance. However, in the end, Zorya conceded — 0:3, thus concluding their European Cup season.

Conference League-2022/2023. Third Qualifying Round. Reply Match

"Universitatea" (Romania) — "Zorya" (Ukraine) — 3:0 (1:0)

Goals: Silva (5), Bayaram (53), Banku (57).

"Universitatea": Lazar, Scurcu, Pappa, Silva, Banku (c), Hanka (Vetejelu, 75), Kreцу (Kepesine, 65), Bayaram (Rogulich, 75), Matei, Ivan (Revaldinho, 90+1), Kolic (Markovic, 67).

Substitutes: Rusu, Popescu, Kimpanu, Nistor, Vlediu, Martich, Vine.

Coach: Mirel Redei.

"Zorya": Macapura, Danchenko (Alefirenko, 89), Imerekov, Batagov, Vantu (Smyan, 30), Nazarina (c), Churko, Christian, Bulica, Kabayev (Bezborodko, 59), Nagnoyin (Mishnyov, 58).

Substitutes: Saputin, Zhilkin, Bragajko, Hlany, Alibekov, Snurnitsyn.

Coach: Patrick van Leeuwen.

Referee: Matej Jug (Slovenia).

Yellow cards: Ivan (31), Kolic (45), Silva (71), Matei (90+1) — Bulica (71).

August 11. Craiova. "Ion Oblemenco" Stadium.

First match — 0:1.

Earlier, Poltava "Vorskla" exited the competition in the Conference League, conceding to Swedish AIK in the second qualifying round.