FOTO - Grigory Chirkin goal against BATE

Latvian champions Ventspils sprung up a surprise in the UEFA Champions league third qualification round first leg against last year group stage participants BATE Borisov. The Latvian side managed a one goal victory ahead of the second leg in Belarus thanks to a superb goal.

At the first minutes of the game both clubs played carefully but the Latvians were a little bit more active. However mostly the ball was at the central side of field. Ventspils player Jurijs Žigajevs had the first real chance for scoring in the 17 minute, but he failed to take the opportunity after a brilliant pass by Igors Cigirlašs.

At the middle of the first half Ventspils had chance to score again - this time Jurijs Žigajevs came one on one with the goalkeeper, but just missed the net.

Soon after this episode guests were so close to the target. A superb strike by Nekaichik was saved by Ventspils goalkeeper Andrejs Pavlovs.

The second half was more interesting for spectators than first. Both clubs started to play more aggressive and attacking football, and the 64th minute the scoring was opened with a sensational goal. Grigorijs Čirkins struck a magnificent volley from about 25 meters and left BATE goalkeeper helpless (1-0).

In other 26 minutes Ventspils held on to their lead and with their victory 1-0 have a good chance to qualify for Champions league qualification play-offs.

UEFA Champions league 2009/2010

FK Ventspils – BATE 1:0 (0:0)

Goal: Grigory Chirkin 64' (Ven) - VIDEO

Ventspils: Pavlovs, Cilinšeks, Mihadjuks, Kačanovs, Žigajevs, Kosmačovs (Lazdiņš 71'), Astafjevs, Cigirlašs, Čirkins (Višņakovs 84'), Butriks (Špakovs 77'), Rimkus.

Article from www.balticleague.com

LFF Press department