Sensation in Jihlava: Jablonec Knock Scottish Rangers Out of the Conference League

FK Jablonec pulled off a genuine sensation in the second leg of the fourth qualifying round of the Conference League, beating Scotland's Rangers 1:0 at their home ground, Střelnice. After a penalty shootout, the Czech side advanced to the tournament's main stage.

Throughout the match, the Czechs were firmly in control, rarely allowing their illustrious opponents anywhere near goal. As early as the 13th minute, Lamin Jawo could have doubled Jablonec's aggregate lead when he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a pass from Jan Suchan, but he failed to hit the target.

Chanturishvili's Goal Sends the Stands Into Raptures

In terms of possession, the hosts outdid the Scots — 58% to 42% in the first half — yet Rangers defended their advantage from Ibrox Stadium skillfully. After a lacklustre display from his side, visiting manager Derek McInnes made three substitutions at once during the break, but he never managed to seize the initiative.

The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute: a gap opened up in the Scottish defence, and Vakhtang Chanturishvili did not waste his chance, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Pandur. The packed stadium erupted in celebration. Only after conceding did the visitors try to push forward, but they remained surprisingly toothless — meanwhile the Czechs had to see out the game with a weakened backline, as captain and defensive leader Nemanja Tekijaški was forced off with an injury five minutes before the end of regulation time.

Victory Decided on Penalties

Regulation time ended 1:0 to Jablonec, sending the tie into extra time. Both sides had chances in the additional 30 minutes: in the 107th minute Jan Chramosta narrowly missed the target, while a shot from substitute Filip Novák was saved by goalkeeper Pandur.

The place in the Conference League's main round was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. After three rounds of kicks, Rangers led 3:2, but they missed their final two penalties, and Jablonec's winning kick was converted by Jan Chramosta. The shootout finished 4:3 in favour of the Czech club, who comfortably knocked Rangers out of the competition on aggregate.

Source: sport.cz