LNZ lost to Gent in a penalty shootout and was eliminated from the Conference League
Cherkasy LNZ ended its run in European competition after losing to Belgium’s Gent in the second qualifying round of the 2026/27 Conference League. The outcome of the match was decided by a penalty shootout, in which the home team proved more accurate.
After a scoreless draw in the first leg, the teams were unable to determine a winner in the second leg as well.
The first half was evenly matched, but after the break, Gent took control and created several dangerous chances, though they were unable to open the scoring.
In extra time, the Belgian club continued to press. One of the most dangerous chances came after a shot by Araujo, but the ball, after deflecting off Pasich, flew just wide of the post.
Despite constant pressure from the opponent, goalkeeper Andriy Palamarchuk and the LNZ defense kept a clean sheet, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
In the post-match penalty shootout, misses by LNZ players proved decisive.
Goalkeeper Ruf saved Artem Tverdokhlib’s shot, and Kuzyk hit the crossbar.
The Gent players converted all of their attempts and won the penalty shootout 4–2, advancing to the third qualifying round of the Conference League.
Conference League. Second Qualifying Round. Second Leg
Gent (Belgium) — LNZ (Cherkasy) — 0–0
Penalty shootout — 4–2
Thus, LNZ has been eliminated from European competition, while the Belgian club will advance to the next round of Conference League qualifying.
In addition, Kyiv’s Dynamo suffered its second defeat at the hands of Greece’s PAOK in the second qualifying round of the Europa League and was eliminated from the tournament.
Earlier, LNZ extended defender Oleg Gorin’s contract through 2029.
As a reminder, Turin’s Juventus announced the signing of Turkish national team defender Zeki Çelik, who left Roma after his contract expired.
The Spanish national team became the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup, defeating France in the semifinal match.
