The Linfield Blues, took advantage as locals and took a huge step towards their date with history in Leg 1 of the Europa League playoffs, after upsetting a heavily favorite Qarabag FK by a score of 3-2.With the colossus of Belfast Windsor Park, the Blues saw how Shane Levary scoring a brace and the game winner in the 74' minute sentenced the match.
As leg 2 for sure will be one amazing and disputed contest between these two titans looking forward to seize the last spot in the stage group of the Europa League playoffs.
Qaradag FK in town and touted as a heavy favorite to win this competition, these did not see how the local Blues were to deliver a stunner on these hardened Atilar side.
As this affair will be decided on August 29 at Baku Azersun Arena.
So far, Linfield going to Baku and play leg 2, David Healy side has a goal advantage but anything can happen as the Atilar are at home and seen as the favorites, but playing against a team full of high spirits and a lot of fight.
As Qaradak FK is considered one serious heavyweight after eliminating in Champions qualifiers the likes of LOI winners Dundalk FC and making their way to this stages and looking forward for a win to consolidate their might.
However, these have to deal with a team that is playing an unbelievable game of football and capturing all sorts of headlines for being the underdogs and by far delivering in giant steps.
This match started with the Atilar opening the scoreboard with a goal from Faycal Rherras early in the first half in the 15' minute to put the visitors up top, still do not count these Blues out.
As the equalizer came in the 45' minute almost to end the half, when Shane Levary to put the game even and see an eruption from all of the Blues supporters celebrating their team feat.
The second half promised to be somehow a new contest as both sides were to look at any opportunity to go up the scoreboard when Linfield Mark Stafford puts the home side ahead.
In the 42' minute Stafford gave Linfield eleven a reason to fight on and seek the win over a side that is highly rated over Leicester City and AC Milan, that tells you a lot.
Once again Shane Levary deliver in what became the game winner in the 74' minute to put the home side ahead 3-1 and the game clock ticking toward the end.
In the end, Qaradag FK showed off its might and score a valuable away goal in the 90' minute when Magaye Gueye coming as a sub in the 65' score the Atilar second goal a little too late.
Ninety minutes separate the Linfield Blues in making the grand feat but in the end, Qaradag FK is no walk in the park and for sure will not go down without putting on a fight.
Photos Credit and Property of © Belfast Telegraph 2019
Photos Credit and Property of © 2019 Northern Ireland Football League
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