WARSAW, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Rakow Czestochowa advanced into the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualifications after they drew 1-1 with Qarabag FK away in Baku on Wednesday evening and won 4-3 on aggregate.
"I'm really impressed with how we defended. I'm really proud of my players, we did a great job. I'm really happy that we can still dream about the Champions League group stage," Rakow coach Dawid Szwarga said after the final whistle.
Rakow could have taken the lead in the 23rd minute when John Yeboah had a perfect opportunity to score, but his shot was blocked by Kevin Medina. Qarabag replied in the injury time of the first half but Marko Jankovic's powerful shot was denied by goalie Vladan Kovacevic.
Rakow broke the deadlock through a fast counterattack seven minutes after the break. Marcin Cebula passed to Fran Tudor, who dribbled past the defender and fired a shot into the far post. Qarabag goalkeeper Shakhrudin Magomedaliyev had no chance to save his team.
In the 60th minute, Redon Xhixha gave Qarabag hopes of eliminating Rakow as he turned the perfect cross from the left wing into a score to make it 1-1.
The hosts attacked in the closing stage of the game, while Rakow was fully focused on their defense. A draw allowed Rakow to advance into the next round as they beat Qarabag 3-2 in the first leg, and the Polish champions will next take on Cyprus' Aris Limassol. ■
