Tallinna FC Flora, the Meistriliiga champions, have advanced to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League after defeating The New Saints F.C. on aggregate. The deciding match was concluded via a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in the second leg.
The New Saints F.C. scored a goal during stoppage time in the second leg, which brought the aggregate score to 1–1 at the end of normal time. Flora had previously won the first leg at home with a 1–0 scoreline. In the subsequent penalty shootout, Flora won 4–2, aided by goalkeeper Evert Grünvald, who saved the first penalty during the shootout.
Penalty shootout score in favor of Tallinna FC Flora
Finishing chances was certainly one area where we must improve during these two matches...
Following the victory, Flora will face the Andorran champions Inter Club d'Escaldes. Head coach Konstantin Vassiljev stated that the team faces two difficult matches ahead.
IFK Göteborg eliminates FCI Levadia
In another second qualifying round fixture, IFK Göteborg eliminated FCI Levadia with a 4–3 aggregate score. Although Levadia won the first leg away from home 2–1, they lost 3–1 at home in the second leg.
The return leg was decided in extra time, where Adam Bergmark-Wiberg scored the second goal for IFK Göteborg in the third minute of extra time, followed by a goal from Saidou Alioum. FCI Levadia's Maksimilian Skvortsov scored in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of the second half of extra time. During normal time, Levadia goalkeeper Karl Andre Vallner saved two penalties against IFK Göteborg.
IFK Göteborg will now face either the Belgian club Gent or Cherkasy from Ukraine in the third qualifying round. Additionally, Nõmme Kalju has been eliminated from the competition.
The UEFA Conference League third qualifying round matches are scheduled for August 6 and 13.