There was only one second qualifying round match played during the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifications today, however it resulted in an incredible upset. The humble Armenian team Noah Artsakh defeated the seasoned and decorated Greek team AEK Athens 1-3 on the road.
The most memorable moment of the game was a peculiar goal that Ognjen Čančarević, the goalkeeper for the Armenian team, scored. The 34-year-old merely cleared the ball out of his penalty area, however to his surprise, it flew over the head of the AEK goalkeeper and into the goal.
FC Noah equalized ten minutes after Levi Garcia gave AEK Athens the lead in the 22nd minute. Goal kicks by Noah's keeper Cancarevic resulted in a goal surrendered by AEK in the second half. Noah and Gregorio scored another goal in the eighth minute of extra time.
Noah Artsakh defeated Sliema Wanderers of Malta and Shkëndija of North Macedonia in the Conference League's previous qualifying stages. Next Thursday, August 15, is when these two teams' second leg will take place.
⚽️ Goal: Ognjen Čančarević | FC Noah 2-1 AEK Athens
— PushGoals (@PushGoals) August 6, 2024
Noah goalkeeper Ognjen Čančarević took a shot from one goal to the other and it was a goal. Incrediblepic.twitter.com/10UJoc8EbS
Who will Chelsea face in their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers?
Chelsea's opponent in the upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League play-off game will be either Braga or Servette. After a disastrous season under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues appeared doomed to fade into mid-table obscurity. However, a late surge propelled them to sixth place and guaranteed them a berth in the Conference League play-off round.
Chelsea, now led by Enzo Maresca, needs to pass the test of either Braga or Servette in order to advance to the UEFA Europa Conference League. For Chelsea, the draw is possibly as difficult as it could be. The Europa League qualification involving Braga and Servette will be taking place.
The match will take place at Stamford Bridge on August 22, where Chelsea, the home team, will welcome the losing team from Braga vs. Servette. The away leg is scheduled for August 29, which is seven days later. If Chelsea wins, they will be added into the draw for the group stage, that is scheduled for August 30.