Ararat-Armenia Repeats Similar Scenario in Riga and Dublin; Dinamo Zagreb Stage Comeback
Armenian club Ararat-Armenia advanced in Champions League qualifying for the second round in a row after losing away but holding onto aggregate lead. Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb came from 2-0 down to beat Thun in extra time.
The second round of UEFA Champions League qualifying saw several dramatic matches and commanding victories.
Ararat-Armenia mirrors Riga comeback in Dublin Unseeded Ararat-Armenia from Yerevan experienced a familiar storyline for the second time in the qualification tournament. After beating Latvian champions Riga 2-0 at home in the first round, they lost the away leg 2-3 but advanced on aggregate (4-3). This time, they faced Irish champions Shamrock Rovers. In the second leg, the visitors fell behind 0-2 in the first half due to goals from Matthew Healy and Aaron Greene. However, Ararat-Armenia recovered, with Brazilian striker Sandro Lima pulling one back. Despite Shamrock Rovers registering 18 shots (10 on target) against five (one on target) for the Armenians, they couldn't level the aggregate score. Having secured a 2-0 win at home, a 1-2 away loss was enough for a 3-2 aggregate victory and a spot in the group stage of a European competition.
Dinamo Zagreb survives scare against Thun Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb found themselves in a precarious position at home against Swiss side Thun. The visitors led 2-0 by the 22nd minute. The turning point came midway through the second half when Thun defender Marko Birka, who had scored the second goal, received a straight red card. Dinamo capitalized: Dion Beljo scored in the 74th minute, and Luka Kačavenda equalized four minutes later. In extra time, Thun, now reduced to ten men, couldn't hold on, and Moris Valinčič netted in the 112th minute to give Dinamo a 3-2 win (4-3 on aggregate).
Hearts humiliated by Sturm Graz Scottish Premiership runners-up Hearts suffered a crushing defeat against Austrian side Sturm Graz. After losing the first leg 4-0 in Austria, Hearts conceded two more goals at home, losing 2-0 (Simon Zaidl and Emran Soglo) and 6-0 on aggregate.
Other results Albanian side Egnatia drew with Slovenia's Celje (3-3 and 2-2 after extra time) but lost on penalties. Shamrock Rovers and Egnatia will now face each other in Europa League qualifying. Kauno Žalgiris drew 0-0 away at Faroe Islands' KÍ. Víkingur Reykjavík beat Hapoel Beer Sheva 2-1 at home. The second round continues with more matches, including Fenerbahçe against Górnik Zabrze.
