Lech Poznań - FK Pelister 4:0

The team from Poznan was a definitive favorite of this clash. The hosts remained in possession of the ball since the opening minutes of the match. However, FK Pelister was the first team to attack. In 11^th minute one of the Macedonian players crossed the ball into the box where two of his teammates let the ball pass under their feet while the third one redirected it towards the goal. The shot was difficult for Putnocky to save, but he managed to send it flying above the crossbar.

In 21st minute, Lech Poznan built the first good scoring chance. Kostevych was the player who crossed the ball into the penalty area, but there was nobody to convert the pass into a shot and the ball flew next to the post. 6 minutes later, Nicki Bille was fouled in the box and the referee awarded Lech with a penalty kick. The Dane placed the ball in the net and Lech took the lead. In 30^th minute Lech scored the second goal. Jevtic took the free kick, crossed the ball into the box and Mario Situm redirected the ball into the back of the net with a header.

The two-goal advantage created open space for both teams to attack. The Macedonians began pressing on Lech’s goal more intensively. However, it also meant that the hosts were left with more chances to counterattack. Pelister conceded the third goal before halftime, again following a set piece. Majewski’s direct attempt from a free kick left the goalkeeper stunned and motionless. The midfielder had another scoring chance in the 41^st minute, but this time he hit the post.

The second half began with a good attempt from the Macedonians. In the 49^th minute Todorovski converted a free kick into a direct shot at the goal which caused problems to Putnocky who managed to reflect the ball in front of him. Illijoski was already waiting to place the ball in the back of the net, but Putnocky saved the second shot too. 8 minutes later Lech found a way to put the ball in Pelister’s goal. Majewski’s cross from a corner kick reached Situm who redirected the pass into the back of the net with a header.

Bjelica’s squad dominated the match completely, remaining in possession of the ball for the majority of the time. However, the Macedonians had a couple of scoring chances, mostly from a counterattack. Nevertheless, Pelister didn’t cause problems to Lech’s defense line and if anyone was to score, it was definitely the squad from Poznan. In the 65^th minute Gumny recovered the ball in the box and sent a pass towards the further corner but Majewski, who was left unmarked, failed to reach the ball.

Despite dominating the match, Lech also focused on keeping a clean sheet. The hosts were determined not to let the rival too close to their own goal. In the last quarter of the match neither of the goalkeepers had much work to do, therefore the match ended with a four-nil win for Lech. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 6^th of July, at 7 pm.

LECH POZNAŃ - FK PELISTER 4:0 (3:0)

Goals: Nicki Bille (28), Situm (30), Majewski (38), Situm (57)

Lech Poznań: Matus Putnocky - Robert Gumny, Lasse Nielsen, Emir Dilaver, Volodymyr Kostevych - Abdul Aziz Tetteh, Radosław Majewski, Darko Jevtić (75. Maciej Gajos) - Maciej Makuszewski (72. Nicklas Barkroth), Nicki Bille (69. Marcin Robak), Mario Situm

FK Pelister: Ilche Petrovski - Martin Kowaczew, Goce Todorovski, Radenko Bojović (46. Filip Petrov) - Kristijan Tosevski, Riste Markoski (62. Fernando Silva Dos Santos), Dimitar Ilijew (76. Matej Cvetanoski), Blagoja Ljamchewski - Oliver Peev, Blaze Ilijoski, Lucas

Attendance: 18 215