The first experience of Ukrainian clubs with the Conference League was unsuccessful — "Vorskla" and "Kolos" failed to qualify. Therefore, "Zorya" had an opportunity to improve the statistics of representatives from the domestic championship in UEFA's new tournament.

At the start of the match against the reigning champions of Norway, the Lugansk team aimed to dominate, constantly pressing even their opponents' goalkeeper. The hosts occasionally tried to respond in kind, and the game on an ideally level artificial turf looked quite open and lively.

In the first half, players from "Bryne-Glimt" posed a greater threat to the goalposts more often. Only Saltnes had two chances but failed to strike effectively in both instances. However, when the players of "Zorya" were pressed into covering, sharpness appeared in their actions as well. Kabaev found himself in shooting positions several times but couldn't make optimal decisions, while Khomchenovskiy's long-range shot was dangerous but slightly off-target.

Closer to halftime, a few more opportunities were missed by the players of the Norwegian club. The right defender Sampsted joined an attack dangerously, and Berg failed to hit the target from outside the penalty area. Meanwhile, the players of "Zorya" did not manage to pass the ball out to any of their attackers or bring them face-to-face with the goalkeeper in the first half.

The second half began with two quick goals for "Bryne-Glimt." Saltnes leaped over everyone after a corner kick, and Solbakken scored from a swift counterattack. It became even harder for Lugansk to counteract opponents who felt more confident after this.

On the 60th minute, following an interception by "Zorya," they created a chance but the Norwegians capitalized on their opponent's mistake better — Pellegrino sent the ball over goalkeeper Matcupuri. Only in stoppage time did Gromov broke the deadlock, converting a one-on-one after intercepting and receiving a pass from Christian.

The game featured half-backs of "Zorya" Bulytsya (substituted on 71st minute) and Kochergin (yellow card), who were called up for the September national team training camp in Ukraine.

Conference League. Group Stage. Group C

Matchday 1

"Bryne-Glimt" (Norway) — "Zorya" (Ukraine) — 3:1 (0:0)

Goals: Saltnes (48), Solbakken (49), Pellegrino (60) — Gromov (90+1).

"Bryne-Glimt": Hjekin, Sampsted, Moe, Lode (Heibrotten, 89), Bjorkan (Konradsten, 79), Brustad-Fet (Vetlesen, 67), Berg, Saltnes (c), Solbakken (Mugisha, 88), Bothheim, Pellegrino (Kumson, 79).

Substitutes: Smithe, Moberg, Hagen, Nordos, Kviile, Perambuco. 

Coach: Ketil Knudsen.

"Zorya": Matcupura, Khomchenovskiy (Alefirenko, 90+3), Vernydub (c), Zwek (Imerekov, 90+3), Snurnytsyn, Nazarina, Bulytsya (Luniov, 71), Kochergin, Kabaev (Ovusu, 90+3), Gromov, Allahyar (Christian, 70).

Substitutes: Saputin, Zhilkyn, Gladkyi, Favorskiy. 

Coach: Victor Shtepanok.

Referee: Dennis Higler (Netherlands).

Yellow cards: Bjorkan (36) — Kochergin (52), Kabaev (54), Snurnytsyn (59).

September 16. Bryne. Aspmura Stadium.

"Roma" (Italy) — CSKA (Bulgaria) — 5:1

Standings

Matchday 2

September 30, 2021

CSKA (Bulgaria) — "Bryne-Glimt" (Norway)

"Zorya" (Ukraine) — "Roma" (Italy)