Derry City's Europa League hopes hang in the balance after a thrilling 3-2 first-leg defeat to CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria. The Irish side twice pulled a goal back through Liam Boyce and James Olayinka, but a double from Ioannis Pittas and a long-range effort from Bruno Jardao proved decisive at the Natsionalen Stadion Vasil Levski.
Match Recap
CSKA Sofia started brightly and took the lead in stunning fashion when Pittas unleashed an unstoppable strike from distance. Derry City responded almost immediately as Boyce levelled with a composed finish, silencing the home crowd. The joy was short-lived, however, as Jardao restored the Bulgarian side's advantage with a superb strike of his own, finding the top corner from outside the box.
Pittas then grabbed his second of the night to seemingly put the tie beyond the visitors, but Olayinka's late goal gave Derry a precious away effort and a lifeline ahead of the return leg. The Candystripes pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way through.
Lynch's Reaction
Derry boss Tiernan Lynch refused to be downbeat, insisting the tie remains alive.
'I thought second half we were much better. I'm very disappointed in the goals we conceded, but I thought we got stronger as the game went on and it's still probably all to play for,' he said.
The manager acknowledged the quality of the opposition but took heart from his side's second-half display.
'They are a good side, they have good footballers and they keep the ball well. As the game went on, we were delighted. I thought we got stronger.'
Lynch was already turning his attention to the reverse fixture, emphasising the need for tactical adjustments.
'We'll go back and we'll look at the game, we'll look at the things where we could've been better. We'll look at the areas where we done really well and we'll get a game plan for next Thursday night.'
Second Leg Preview
Derry welcome CSKA Sofia to the Brandywell on 16 July needing to overturn a one-goal deficit. An away goal could prove crucial, and Lynch's men will draw confidence from the chances they created in Sofia. The Europa League first qualifying round tie is finely poised, and the home crowd could play a pivotal role.
Quick Facts
Competition: UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round, First Leg
Result: CSKA Sofia 3–2 Derry City
Goals: Ioannis Pittas (2), Bruno Jardao; Liam Boyce, James Olayinka
Venue: Natsionalen Stadion Vasil Levski, Sofia
Second Leg: 16 July, Brandywell, Derry
Key Takeaways
- Derry City's two away goals keep the tie alive despite a disappointing defensive display according to Lynch.
- CSKA Sofia's individual quality, particularly from Pittas and Jardao, proved the difference in the first leg.
- Lynch believes his side grew into the game and can turn the tie around with home advantage at the Brandywell.
- The second leg promises to be a tense affair with a spot in the next qualifying round at stake.
Source: BBC Sport