Battling Blues go down with pride in Poland
LEGIA WARSAW: Boruc, Mladenovic, Jedrzejczyk, Wieteska, Karbownik, Antolic, Gvilia, Slisz (Rosolek, 45mins), Wszolek, Pekhart (Kante, 70mins), Luquinhas.
Subs not used: Holownia, Lewczuk, Luis Rocha, Andre Martins, Cierzniak.
LINFIELD: Johns, Boyle, Larkin, Stafford, Clarke, Quinn (Nasseri, 83mins), Millar, Mulgrew, Fallon, Hery (Pepper, 79mins), Lavery (Manzinga, 75mins).
Subs not used: Kearns, Mcclean, Moore, Hume.
Match rating: 7/10
Man of match: Filip Mladenovic
Referee: Nicolas Laforge (Belgium).
LINFIELD produced an heroic defensive performance in Poland against Legia Warsaw last night but substitute Jose Kante broke their hearts with a sweet finish nine minutes from the end of an exhausting test.
It was the one real moment of quality from the Polish giants on a night when Linfield’s resistance frustrated their much fancied opponents.
David Healy’s side even threatened a late equaliser when Christy Manzinga’s shot crashed off the post but there was no fairytale finish for the Premiership champions, who rose to the challenge with considerable style.
The Blues’ Champions League campaign had been full of drama and unexpected twists until Legia Warsaw decided to flex their European muscles, but they struggled to hurt Linfield until late on and after Kirk Millar’s dismissal.
After the Covid-19 scares in Switzerland and Poland, it was finally time for the football to take centre stage and the Polish giants appeared to wilt in the 27-degree heat until Kante (right) settled their nerves.
For Danske Bank Premiership champions Linfield and all Irish League representatives on the continent, there is romance and riches to be found and the Blues return home with the comfort blanket of Europa League second qualifying round action.
This first Champions League qualifying round tie in Warsaw went ahead despite one of the home side’s players testing positive for coronavirus on Sunday but there was no walkover this time.
Preliminary round opponents Drita had their entire team quarantined by authorities in Switzerland last week and in these uncertain and precarious times, it is a relief to see any football being played, even if it doesn’t come with an atmosphere.
Linfield would have chosen to play in an empty Stadion Wojska Polskiego in the Polish capital, leaving the home side’s passionate support watching from afar, but that didn’t make the assignment any less daunting.
Inspired by last year’s heroics, you knew Linfield were going to fight in their 72nd match in the Champions League or European Cup. But they had to marry that spirit with defensive solidity, discipline and a ruthlessness in front of goal.
All that was missing was that ruthless touch in front of goal but they emerge with great credit after restricting Legia to limited chances.
Legia, with former Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc between the sticks, have won their domestic Ekstraklasa league title no fewer than six times in the past eight years and they commanded respect.
Healy opted to freshen his side up for the formidable test and his men were magnificent.
The Blues made four changes from their 2-0 win over Tre Fiori. Mark Stafford and left-back Matthew Clarke both came into defence alongside Ethan Boyle, Ross Larkin and Niall Quinn.
Stephen Fallon was handed a midfield role with Bastien Hery, and Shayne Lavery named as the sole striker. Jimmy Callacher, Daniel Kearns, Navid Nasseri and Kyle Mcclean all made way.
For Legia, full-back Michal Karbownik — who has been linked with Barcelona, Tottenham and Napoli — was included.
The hosts may be used to taking on more illustrious rivals but they offered little magic in the first half as the Blues kept a good shape and frustrated them.
Legia, as expected, enjoyed plenty of possession but goalkeeper Chris Johns was rarely troubled.
In the early moments, the Polish giants were dangerous down their left flank but Millar and Boyle managed to deal with the threat.