HJK Escape Bulgaria with a draw without fight to fight at first stage of UECL

The second stage of the second equality of HJK’s qualification round in the UEFA conference league (UECL) against the Bulgarian team Arda is a winning case after the two played a virgin draw in the first leg in Kardzhali.

HJK had only reached this stadium thanks to a remarkable return against NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands in the first qualification round, winning the second floor 5-0 after an additional time, after losing the 4-0 match at home.

It was almost as if they invited a similar story this time – they had not recorded a single first half, while Derda brought the best of the goalkeeper to visit Thijmen Nijhuis.

He overturned both a length distribution of bientent Karagaren and a soaking head of Georgi Nikolov, before a mixture in the back gives Karagaren a chance to catch Nijhuis, but his attempted chip was gathered safely by the Dutchman.

HJK finally managed to bring a shot after the break, but the strike of Santeri Hostikka missed the target, just like the Tikkanen city effort in a corner with 15 minutes to play.

It was the whole side of Helsinki offered in attack throughout the 90 minutes, While Nijhuis was called again to deny Lachezar Kotev twice, the latter came three minutes in the stoppage time, while HJK maintained what could be a crucial draw.

As in the first qualification round, HJK will seek an improved performance at the second stage at home next Thursday.

Follow all UECL qualifications on Flashscore.