Servette's dream of the Champions League bursts

(sda) Servette could not manage the 1-0 lead from the first leg and had to bury the dream of the Champions League after the 1-3 defeat in Geneva.

In the first leg in the Czech Republic, Servette managed just two shots on goal in 90 minutes. In the return leg in Geneva, they equalized that tally after just four minutes. A counterattack by Samuel Mraz failed to find the net. Alexis Antunes' shot, following a Giotto Morandi corner and a Steve Rouiller extension, did.

However, Thomas Häberli's team gave up what seemed like a comfortable lead before halftime. Pilsen equalized with two goals within three minutes (28th and 31st). While a reliable backstop in the first leg, Joel Mall in goal for Geneva was not a good performer in both of the goals conceded.

The same applies to Theo Magnin, who, four minutes before the end of regular time, was too impetuous in the penalty area against his opponent and thus caused a penalty, which the visitors converted through Rafiu Durosinmi.

Earlier, Grenat had squandered an advantage for the second time that evening. Just three minutes after a Czech player was sent off for a serious foul (66th minute), Yoan Severin did his team a disservice with his second yellow card.

Servette now advances to the third qualifying round of the Europa League. Their opponents on August 7th and a week later are either Sheriff Tiraspol or Utrecht, with the Dutch side feeling the advantage after their 3-1 away win in the first leg.