A late goal by Xabi Prieto gave Real Sociedad a narrow lead against FC Krasnodar in the first leg of their Europa League play-off. The locals did most of the attacking early on, Bergara bringing a good save out of Dikan with a header following an early corner, and Xabi Pireto and Chory Castro putting efforts wide. However the Russian side caused some problems for Zubikarai either side of half time, and Joaozinho steered an easy chance just wide of the post midway through the second half. Xabi Prieto won it though with a low shot after Granqvist could only deflect a De la Bella cross in to his path some twenty minutes before the final whistle, and Prieto himself came close to a second when he headed a corner against the bar near the end. (21.08.14)
Villarreal are virtually sure of a place in the league stage of the competition after a convincing 0-3 win at Astana in Kazakhstan. The locals had already won through three rounds, and they caused a few problems early on. However with just over half an hour gone Cani opened the scoring, bouncing the ball past Eric after Cheryshev’s shot was blocked, and just three minutes in to the second half Gio made it two with a shot from close up after intercepting a wayward effort from Trigueros. Astana were left with ten men a few minutes later after Anicic picked up a second booking, and substitute Vietto missed an open goal just seconds after coming on. However Mario Gaspar scored a third with seven minutes to go, and Foxi fired the home side’s best chance over the bar with the game already in time added on. (21.08.14)