Ararat-Armenia draw with Universitatea Craiova in first leg of Europa League play-off

Ararat-Armenia drew with Romanian side Universitatea Craiova in the first leg of the Europa League play-off round. The match ended 1-1.

For Manuel Tulipa’s team, this was their first away match of the current European campaign in which they managed to avoid defeat. The draw in Romania leaves Ararat-Armenia with a good chance of progressing to the next round ahead of the return leg in Yerevan.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Ararat-Armenia defender Alexandros Malis found the net after an assist from Hugo Oliveira. It was the Greek player’s first goal for the Armenian club.

In the 33rd minute, Universitatea captain Nicușor Bancu restored parity to make it 1-1.

In the second half, Ararat-Armenia created several opportunities to regain the lead but were unable to convert their chances. As a result, the two sides left the outcome of the tie to be decided in the return leg.

The second leg will take place in Yerevan on August 27.

Before then, both teams will play matches in their respective domestic leagues. On August 23, Universitatea Craiova will face Voluntari, while Ararat-Armenia will take on Sardarapat on the same day.

The winner of the tie will advance to the main stage of the Europa League, while the losing team will continue its European campaign in the Conference League.

Team line-ups

Ararat-Armenia: Joao Bravim — Hugo Oliveira (75, Juan Balanta), Junior Bueno, Bruno Wilson, Alexandros Malis, Edgar Grigoryan — Karen Muradyan (80, Carlier), Benny Dias (69, Carlos Franca) — Artur Serobyan (80, Tera), Zidan Banjaki (80, Shaghoyan) — Sandro Lima.

Universitatea Craiova: Popescu — Romanchuk, Rus, Screciu — Mora, Mekvabishvili (85, Băluță), Cicâldău (69, Teles), Branchu — Matei (62, Etim), Al-Hamlawi (62, Nsimba), Baiaram (85, Basceanu).

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