Sheriff Tiraspol was defeated by Dinamo Zagreb 1-0 away in the first match of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, IPN reports.
Sherriff’s defense had an exemplary performance throughout the game and even put the opponents’ goal in danger for several times. But the Croatians were luckier and scored in the 89th minute through striker Ante Rukavina.
Sheriff started the game with no Moldovan in the lineup. Only Moldovan halfback Alexandru Pashchenko entered the field later.
The return match will be played in Tiraspol on August 8. In case of a success in the duel with Croatia’s champion, Sheriff will secure at least its presence in the Europa League groups. If it suffers a defeat, it will face the playoffs of this competition.
Sheriff and Dinamo had met in the Champions League qualifiers for two times, in 2010 and 2012. Each of them scored by a victory.
