Estonian league leaders FCI Levadia produced one of the biggest European results in the club’s recent history on Tuesday, defeating Swedish side IFK Göteborg 2-1 away from home in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round tie.
Despite conceding a late own goal that reduced their advantage to a single goal, Levadia return to Tallinn with a deserved lead after a superb performance in front of nearly 15,000 spectators at Gamla Ullevi.
The visitors showed no signs of intimidation against the 18-time Swedish champions and even created the opening opportunities. Goalkeeper Karl Andre Vallner was then called into action, producing an excellent save to deny Max Fenger before Levadia struck first in the 32nd minute.
Bubacarr Tambedou burst down the left flank and picked out Brazilian forward Wendell, who calmly slotted home from close range to stun the home crowd.
Levadia continued to look dangerous and doubled their advantage shortly before half-time. After combining neatly with João Pedro on the edge of the penalty area, Wendell drilled a precise finish inside the post to complete his brace and send the Estonian league laders into the interval with a remarkable 2-0 lead.
Göteborg increased the pressure after the restart and twice came close through August Wiberg, who first struck the post before being denied by another excellent save from Vallner. At the other end, Levadia also threatened to extend their lead, with João Pedro and Mihkel Ainsalu both going close.
The visitors felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the closing stages after Liivak’s cross appeared to strike a defender’s arm, but with no VAR in operation at this stage of the competition, play continued.
Levadia looked set to take a two-goal advantage back to Estonia until the 90th minute, when an unfortunate own goal by Nwankwo reduced the deficit. Attempting to clear a low cross inside the six-yard box with no Göteborg player immediately behind him, the defender could only divert the ball into his own net.
The late setback was followed by a red card for Göteborg captain Gustav Svensson Erlingmark in stoppage time after he brought down Tambedou as the Gambian forward raced clear on goal, meaning the Swedish side will be without their midfielder for next week’s return leg.
Although Levadia were left frustrated not to preserve their two-goal cushion, the Estonian champions still take a valuable 2-1 advantage into next week’s second leg in Tallinn as they bid to reach the third qualifying round, where the winner of Ukrainian LNZ Cherkasy or Belgium Gent side will await.
IFK Goteborg vs FCI Levadia Tallinn – 1-2 (0-2)
Goals: Nwankwo 90+2′ (Own goal) | Wendell 33′ 45+1′
