Holding a one-goal advantage from the first leg, DVSC took to the field in Yerevan on Thursday evening for the return match against Pyunik in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. Head coach Gert Remmel was unable to count on the injured Sergi Samper and Maximilian Hofmann, while Erik Kusnyir was back in the starting lineup. Two academy graduates, Dávid Patai and Flórián Cibla, also earned places in the starting XI.

From the opening whistle, DVSC played with confidence and intent. In the 2nd minute, Adrian Guerrero’s effort was blocked after a well-worked move. Special credit goes to our supporters, who travelled nearly 2,000 kilometres from Debrecen support our team in impressive numbers. Pyunik also threatened going forward, but DVSC defended with discipline and determination.

In the 15th minute, Pikis made an attempt after a turnover, but his effort missed the target. The match remained evenly balanced, although Plamen Andreev was called into action in the 23rd minute, producing an excellent save from a header before denying Kulikov’s curling attempt moments later. At the other end, Dávid Patai tested the Armenian goalkeeper with a long-range strike from 19 metres in the 30th minute, while Pyunik scored, but the goal was diallowed for offside. Just before the break, Blaz Boskovic came close to scoring after a flowing attack, and Adrian Guerrero’s powerful effort could only be parried away by the home keeper. Despite the chances, the first half ended without any goals.

The second half began with a dangerous effort from Flórián Cibla, which was blocked by the defenders. The match continued in a lively atmosphere, with home supporters setting off firecrackers in the stands. Bence Batik entered the game in the 56th minute, and with just over half an hour remaining, DVSC were still on course for qualification. Cibla headed over the goal soon afterwards, while the injured Sohan Baldoni was replaced by Ákos Szendrei. Márk Szécsi and later Balázs Sain also came off the bench. For much of the second half, DVSC were clearly the better side, and it felt increasingly like a Debrecen goal was coming. Dominik Kocsis fired narrowly wide in the 73rd minute, while Balázs Dzsudzsák delivered a dangerous cross that struck the woodwork.

Pyunik threw everything forward in the closing stages in a desperate search for a goal, but the hosts were unable to break through. Instead, it was DVSC who came closest in stoppage time, with Dzsudzsák rattling the crossbar. Over the two legs, Loki deserved to secure their place in the next round, where they will host Danish giants FC Copenhagen in Debrecen next Thursday. Before then, attention turns back to the OTP Bank Liga, with Sunday’s away trip to Újpest next on the schedule.

According to the coach

Gert Remmel: I expected a closely contested match, and that’s exactly how it turned out. We were prepared for Pyunik’s pressure, our players stood their ground well, and those who came on as substitutes also made a strong impact. In the end, it was enough to secure our place in the next round.

Conference League, 2nd qualifying round, return leg.

Pyunik Yerevan (Armenian)-DVSC 0-0.

Yerevan, Vazgen Sargsjan stadium, 5000 spectators. Referee: Igor Stojchevski (North Macedonian).

Pyunik: Avagyan – Islamovic, Kovalenko (Darbinjan, 78.), Vakulenko, Kenourgios – Kulikov (Yansane, 58.), Harutjunjan (Witi, 58.), Hovhannisjan – Pikis (Griffith, 58.), Simonjan (Metojan, 72.), James Santos. Head coach: Artak Osejan.

DVSC: Andrejev – Kusnyir, Lang, Mejías (Sain, 84.), Guerrero – Boskovic, Patai (Batik, 56.) – Kocsis D., Dzsudzsák, Cibla (Szécsi, 69.) – Baldoni (Szendrei Á., 69.). Head coach: Gert Remmel.

Yellow card: Witi (69.) as well as Lang (63.), Szendrei Á. (94.).

Qualified: DVSC with an overall score of 1-0.