Videoton take a big step in the Europa Cup first leg

Oliveira's goal could prove to be vital in the second leg next Thursday

Slovan Bratislava - Videoton FC 1-1 (1-1)
Goalscorers: Sebo (26.), Oliveira (30.)
Pasienky Stadium, Att: 6,248
Slovan: Kovác – Pauschek, Gorosito, Grendel (Meszaros 79.), Luksik - Kladrubsky (P. Sabo 75.) – Peltier, Halenár (Szarka 86.), Milinkovics, Bagayoko – Sebo
Videoton: Bozsovics – Brachi, Vinícius, Caneira, Stopira – Tóth. (Szekeres 88.), Mitrovics – Gyurcsó (Walter 80.), Sándor,  Oliveira – Nikolics, (Torghelle 75.)

There was a heavy thunder storm over the Pasienky stadium in the hour leading up to the game. However, the skies had cleared by the time the game kicked off. There were close to a thousand visiting supporters, who had made the journey from Szekesfehevar, and they gave solid backing to their side during the entire ninety minutes. Vidi played an experienced side and were wearing their new smart red shirts and blue shorts. The game began with two small chances early on, with Caneira trying to play Nikolics though, before Slovan striker Sebo shot across the face of the goal.

The scores were level within minutes. Sandor broke forward before passing to Oliveria, who curled the ball with his right foot from 16 meters in to the top left hand corner of the net. It was a lovely goal to make the score 1-1 and send the visiting fans into celebration. Both teams continued to press for the advantage, which small chances being created in front of both goals, with Vidi perhaps enjoying more of the possession as the first half came to an end. The home defender cleared at the last minute in front of Nikolics, who was poised to meet a long Brachi throw. Gyurcso then did well to beat his marker, before his left foot shot was blocked. It was a good opening 45 minutes for the watching 6,248 as the Russian match official blew for half time.

Slovan tested Bozsovics early in the second half. The giant keeper did very well to save following a corner, which resulted in Peltier heading towards goal. There were several other promising chances as Vidi began to play with more confidence. Nikolics got the ball on the left after 57 minutes, before cutting inside and shooting straight at Kovac. Sebo almost got into a goalscoring chance twice for Slovan, but Caneira headed away, as the Videoton defence remained firm. Both sides continued to attack, with Slovan player Grendel shooting from 35 meters out, with 20 minutes left on the clock. With the rain beginning to come down again, Vidi went looking for the lead, with Sandor's shooting over in the 74th minute.

Substitute Torghelle came on for Nikolics, and he added aggression to the Vidi attack, making problems for the Slovan defence more than once. Bozsovics remained alert as the game moved into the final minutes. He confidently raced out to clear danger. The 4 minutes of added time saw two chances for Vidi to steal the game at the death. Torghelle had a chance, before Oliveria saw his shot saved well by Kovac.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, giving Vidi a good chance of going through, with the second leg taking place on the 26th July in Hungary.

Author: David Rechnitzer

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