Zimbru Chisinau lost the return game to Grodig 0-1, but qualified for the UEFA Europa League playoff round owing to the 2-1 victory scored in Austria. In the first two qualifying rounds, Zimbru eliminated Skendija and CSKA Sofia from the competition, IPN reports.

In the return game with Grodig, Zimbru dominated the first half and created several occasions for scoring. But things changed in the second half and the Austrians scored a goal in the 84th minute through Sandro Djuric. The guests needed one more goal to quality, but Zimbru committed no other mistakes and thus qualified for the Europa League playoff round.

“We managed to bring joy to our supporters. We won’t stop here and intend to produce other surprises,” Zimbru coach Oleg Kubarev told a news conference after the game.

“We made history. We will now compete in the playoff round and hope to have a weaker opponent so as to be able to qualify for the Europa League groups,” said fullback Ion Jardan.

The draw for the Europa League playoff round will take place on August 8. Sheriff Tiraspol will also take part in this stage of the competition.