Jablonec lost their Conference win with a last minute penalty goal

Jablonec fought valiantly in the Conference League and held the lead for a long time against the Danish Randers. However, the opponent successfully converted a penalty kick in the last minute and the match ended 2:2.

After the first two games of the Conference League Jablonec had 3 points. In the first match they beat Cluj 1:0, in the second they lost to Alkmaar 1:0. Three points and a score of 1::1 meant second place.

In the match against Randers, Jablonec was considered a slight favourite and went into the match confidently with two top strikers.

The match was even and entertaining for both sides, it was a physically demanding game. The game was played from side to side. The only thing the game lacked was quality in the end.

The fans got their first goal after 35 minutes of play, when Jakub Považanec found Tomáš Čvančara, who scored the opening goal of the match, he managed to get the ball into the net with his foot.

But Jablonec did not rejoice for long. The equaliser came a minute later when Stephen Odey capitalised on some defensive confusion to head into an empty net. The first half ended 1:1.

Jablonec entered the second half at a great pace. He practically never let the Randers players near the ball, and after eight minutes he again enjoyed the lead. After a corner kick, Čvančara scored with his head for the second time in the match.

Jablonec’s third goal almost came after an hour of play when Krob hit the bar from distance. If this shot had been a goal, the home team would have been celebrating their second win in the Conference League.

They were in touch with the three points until the very end of the game, when a penalty was whistled in favour of the visitors after Kubista’s unnecessary hand in the penalty area. Odey took the ball and converted with ease.

The result of the match is not the worst from Jablonec’s point of view. A draw on the European stage has to be taken, but the win was close, unfortunately a bit of luck was missing. However, the pair of Odey – Cvančara can be satisfied with their performance as they had a two-goal night.

Jablonec remain in second place in Group D of the Conference League after the 2-2 draw. So far they have collected 4 points and have a 3::3 record. Danish Randers are in third place with three points from three draws.

Both teams will play their next match on 4 November in Denmark, where the rematch of this match will be played. Jablonec must not lose in Denmark if it wants to continue to consider qualifying for the spring knockout rounds.

Source: UEFA