A valuable triumph in the Champions League on Georgian soil. Slovan was twice saved by VAR, but he lost his captain

SK Slovan Bratislava won the opening match of the 2nd preliminary round of the Champions League at the Georgian FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi 2:0. Andraž Šporar and Alasana Yirajang took care of the goals of the “Whites” in the first half.

The home team started the match on the hot Georgian soil more actively, although the visiting Yirajang sent the first shot attempt already in the second minute. The opening drama was brought in the fifth minute, when the home team Bedoshvili delivered the ball into the net from close range after a defensive hesitation. However, the joy of the Georgian champion was thwarted by the VAR system, which revealed a close offside. “Whites” gradually took over the game initiative, which after several hints resulted in the opening goal in the 25th minute. Andraž Šporar was criminally unguarded in the penalty area and after Cruz’s excellent cross, he headed the back post and didn’t give the home goalkeeper a chance. A surprised Iberia conceded a second blow just six minutes later. Maroš from the right side found Alasan Yirajang in the penalty area, who made it 2:0 with a precise shot to the left post. Until the break, the game was played mainly in the middle of the field, while the defense of the Bratislava team reliably resisted the opponent’s efforts and the goalkeeper Takač safely disposed of the centered balls.

After the change of sides, the home team ran out with the clear goal of dramatizing the match, and already in the 49th minute, Bartishvilli threatened with a dangerous shot right next to the goal. The Georgian master stepped up his pressure and in the 63rd minute he even managed to score after Kobuladze’s finish, but just like in the first act, VAR intervened this time and canceled the goal due to offside. Shortly afterwards, the Slovak representative lost his captain when Šporar had to leave the field due to health problems. Coach Yaya Touré responded with a tactical substitution, with new man Blackman showing off a dangerous shot immediately after his arrival. As time went on, the home team’s offensive effort intensified even more. In the 79th minute, Bajrić saved the situation with a fantastic defensive slip, and the Georgian team only demanded a penalty kick in the final minutes in vain. Due to tactical discipline and defensive dedication, Slovan secured a valuable victory from the outside.

vote after the match /source: TASR/:

Alexej Maroš, player of Slovan Bratislava: “I enjoyed it a lot, I was looking forward to it even before the match. We had some bright moments there, the boys and I understand each other. I’m glad that the coach gave me a chance, I work very well under him. It was a combative and compact performance. The opponent played a nice combination, but he didn’t surprise us. Now we have to watch it at home and move on.”