In the third round of the group stage of the Conference League, Ukrainian 'Dnipro-1' played a draw with Liechtenstein's Vaduz in Kosice, Slovakia.

In previous rounds, coach Oleksandr Kucher's team lost to AZ (0:1) and won against 'Apollon' (3:1). Now, the Dniprians faced Vaduz — the first-ever Liechtenstein representative in the group stages of European competitions. Due to Russia's invasion, the black-and-yellow team was forced to host their opponent in Kosice, Slovakia.

The Ukrainians went ahead as early as the 5th minute: Pichalongo intercepted the ball near the opposition penalty area, Buzanello passed it through, and Dovbik sealed the deal. However, Vaduz managed to level the score after a defensive lapse by Dnipro-1 — Fer finished off Uhlrich's cross from a lofted pass. Just before halftime, both teams exchanged chances: Valef outmaneuvered Fosu who was one-on-one with him, and Buzanello missed from close range following Pichalongo’s pass.

Photo scdnipro1.com.ua

At the start of the second half, Liechtenstein's representatives took the lead — Gasser headed in Gaich’s corner kick. After this, Dniprians struggled to recover and Valef had to intervene after a shot from Fer. The Ukrainians responded with a close-range effort by Dovbik following Pichalongo’s corner.

Later, Valef again had to step in when Gassler came dangerously close from distance. However, on the 77th minute, Dniprians equalized — Pichalongo played a one-two with Dovbik and scored with a shot from the penalty area that deflected off an opponent.

Photo scdnipro1.com.ua

Shortly after, Pichalongo had a chance to score a brace but Shand was up to the task of saving his shot from inside the penalty area that once again involved a deflection. The Ukrainians tried to organize a final push and had a header in added time but could not secure victory — 2:2.

In the match, players who were called up for the most recent national team training camp played for 'Dnipro-1': Sarapii, Pichalongo (goal), Dovbik (goal, assist).

Conference League. Group Stage. Group E

Round 3

'Dnipro-1' (Ukraine) — 'Vaduz' (Liechtenstein) — 2:2 (1:1)

Goals: Dovbik (5), Pichalongo (77) — Fer (26), Gasser (47).

'Dnipro-1': Valef, Adamyuk (Blanco, 46), Sarapii, Svatok (c), Buzanello, Babenko, Rubchynskyi (Gromov, 62), Hutsulak (Luchkevych, 46, Tankhych, 50), Pichalongo, Amash (Horbunov, 46), Dovbik.

Substitutes: Rybak, Yurchuk, Kononenko, Baluli, Logynov, Kogut, Nazarenko.

Coach: Oleksandr Kucher.

'Vaduz': Shand, Gasser, Isik, Traber, Uhlrich, Fosso, Gaich (c) (Gassler, 72), Fer (Helzer, 90+2), Chichek (Djokic, 72), Saser (Rastoder, 72), Zutter (Omerovic, 82).

Substitutes: Foser, Erri, Hajji, Iodice, Luhinger, Djemali, Dobras.

Coach: Alessandro Mandjaratti.

Referee: Fran Jovic (Croatia).

Yellow cards: Blanco (65), Svatok (90+4) — Fosso (67), Djokic (83), Omerovic (87).

October 6. Kosice. Kosice Football Arena.

AZ (Netherlands) — 'Apollon' (Cyprus) — 3:2 (1:1)

Standings

Round 4

October 13, 2022

'Apollon' — AZ 19.45

'Vaduz' — 'Dnipro-1' 22.00