Estonian champions Flora booked their place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League after defeating Welsh champions The New Saints 4-2 in a penalty shootout, despite suffering a 0-1 defeat after 120 minutes in Wales. The tie finished 1-1 on aggregate before Flora held their nerve from the spot to set up a meeting with Andorran champions Inter Club d’Escaldes.
Carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Tallinn, Flora adopted a disciplined approach away from home as The New Saints controlled possession for much of the evening. The Welsh champions repeatedly threatened, but goalkeeper Evert Grünvald produced a string of important saves while the visitors defended resolutely to protect their aggregate lead.
Flora struggled to create clear opportunities and were largely forced to rely on counter-attacks. As the match entered stoppage time it appeared their defensive effort would be enough, only for Ben Wilson to fire home after Flora failed to win an aerial duel inside the penalty area, sending the tie into extra time.
Neither side managed to find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, although both came close on several occasions. With the score still level on aggregate, the contest was decided from the penalty spot.
Grünvald immediately became the hero by saving Wilson’s opening penalty before Lock blasted another attempt over the crossbar. Although Varjund was denied by goalkeeper Shepperd, Teeväli, Alliku, Kalimullin, and finally Taaniel Usta all converted their penalties, with Usta calmly firing home the decisive kick to send Flora into the next round.
