Zorya Luhansk are in Europa League action once more tonight as they welcome FK Buducnost for the second leg of their second qualifying round!
The hosts go into the game in a fairly content mood, leading 3-1 on aggregate with three important away goals to their name. Confidence will be high among the camp, as the side matched last week’s victory in Montenegro with a 1-0 win in their UPL opener versus Vorskla!
The side’s new signings seem to be bedding in well under the Skripnyk rule. However, as has been a problem since Rafael Ratao left on loan, Pylyp Budkivskyi up top is not the free scoring forward that Zorya need to compliment their well structured midfield.
Hromov is now the primary goal outlet in the side and it will rest on his shoulders to put this tie to bed once and for all after his double in the first leg.
Zorya were flying in the first half in Podgorica, with two quick goals inside 20 minutes. But then the side fell a bit flat in the second, where they were caught being a bit complacent at the back to allow their opponents score an avoidable goal.
However much can be blamed on being still in pre season gear. With the league now having kicked off and regular competitive games occurring regularly, if Zorya get through this tie, they should be sharper come the later rounds!
Bohdan Liednev, who scored on the weekend, is the one to watch tonight. He’s a tricky and technical little wide player, with pace and a good dribbler.
A crowd of over 6,000 is expected tonight, ‘thanks‘ to Serhiy Rafailov’s unconventional marketing techniques, anticipating a comprehensive victory over their Balkan visitors!
ZORYA LONDONSK 