Vitesse narrowly qualified for the last preliminary round of the Conference League on Thursday evening. On a visit to Dundalk, the Arnhem team enjoyed a comfortable lead at halftime, which was still in danger in the second half, but was not given away anymore: 1-2. It was just enough to qualify for the play-offs, as the first game ended in a 2-2 draw. Next Thursday, the team of coach Thomas Letsch will meet RSC Anderlecht, which was much too strong for Albanian Laçi over two matches. The return against the Belgians will be completed on August 26.
The big absentee on the side of Vitesse was Oussama Tannane, who was not found fit enough to appear at the kick-off. Despite the presence of three central defenders, the Arnhem defense seemed to be beaten after 35 seconds. Michael Duffy escaped the attention of Riechedly Bazoer and Danilho Doekhi and finished in the short corner, but the goal was flagged for offside. It was an extremely controversial decision, which has not been rectified in the absence of a video referee.
??????????? ???????? ???????? ????????????! With a little luck, but those count too. Vitesse is virtually in the play-offs of the Conference League. #dunvit #UECL pic.twitter.com/zk2P5CxGgR
— VTBL ? (@vtbl) August 12, 2021
Dundalk then disappeared into the background and it was Vitesse that emphatically went looking for the opening goal. The attacking spirit was rewarded in the 28th minute of play. A long shot from Nikolai Frederiksen seemed to nip in the bud but suddenly ended up at the feet of Matús Bero, who was able to tap in from close range: 0-1. Immediately after the opening goal, Million Manhoef came close to 0-2. The left-back appeared on the right side of the field and cut dangerously in. He attempted a shot at goal with the left, but his effort was taken off the line by Andy Boyle.
The score was doubled seven minutes before the halftime whistle. Again it was Frederiksen who played an important role in the successful attack. The Dane delivered a nice deep pass to Yann Gboho, who finished with a cold blooded left: 0-2. Just like in the first leg, Vitesse also lost control of the match after the break. Despite the many sloppiness, it went well for the Arnhem team, but in the seventieth minute Dundalk found the connecting goal.
???????? ???? ???????????? ??! Yann Gboho gives Vitesse a lot of extra air. This should be able to convince the Arnhemmers. #dunvit #UECL pic.twitter.com/WYltpHwk4q
— VTBL ? (@vtbl) August 12, 2021
After a cross from the right, Sondre Tronstad pushed striker Duffy slightly in the back, after which referee Alain Durieux gave the midfielder a yellow card and awarded a penalty to the home team. Patrick Hoban took his responsibility and took advantage of the opportunity from eleven meters: 1-2. In the final phase, Dundalk came close to the equalizer several times. Markus Schubert made a beautiful save three times. McMillan also had a great chance to score the second Irish goal, but Vitesse had luck on his side.