Videoton triumph in fantastic style

A near full Sostoi stadium was the scene for Videoton's latest triumph in European football. With Paulo Sousa's side just 90 minutes away from the group stages, the crowd of over 11,000 knew exactly what needed to be done. The lovely summer weather meant that conditions were near perfect on a beautiful green pitch. The supporters welcomed the two teams out as confetti filled the Sostoi stands, producing a lovely atmosphere. Videoton fielded a strong side, with plenty of experience and a defence, which went in to the match having not conceded a goal in 424 minutes of European football.

Vidi kicked off in similar fashion to last weeks game in Turkey. Trabzonspor had more of the early possession, trying to find gaps in the Videoton defence. However, they found Caniera and Vinicius in great form, which frustrated the visitors front line. Vidi had the first chance of the match, which came from captain Sandor. The midfielder turned well towards goal on the left, but his effort was deflected and the danger cleared. Öztekin cut inside on the left after 17 minutes for Trabzon, but his cross failed to find anyone in a white shirt. It was end to end stuff as the home side pressed forward three minutes later. Brachi's free kick found it's way to Mitrovics, who shot at goal, but the leg of a defender was in the way, and it went out for a corner.

The biggest chance of the game arrived after 24 minutes. Brachi sent a free kick into the middle, which came off Caneira, with the ball only just going wide of the post. The next 10 minutes passed off without any chances in front of goal. Henrique then saw his good shot saved very well by Bozsovics in the home goal. The supporters continued to produce a lovely feeling inside the all seater Sostoi, adding to a memorable evening of football for all present. The Turkish side stepped things up towards the end of the first period. Aydogdu and then Alanzinho tried their luck, but neither managed to put their side ahead. The two sides went in with the score at 0-0, and all to play for in the second half. There was a nice touch after 42 minutes from the home supporters. Manager Paulo Sousa celebrated his 42nd birthday on Thursday, and the fans held up a banner to show their good wishes.

There were no changes at the break by either manager. However, there were chances at both ends as the second half began. Caneira stepped in front of a shot from Alanzinho, before Walter dribbled inside from the left, but his left footed shot went over the bar. Sandor then received the ball on the right after 52 minutes, and everyone expected him to pass to Walter, but he continued before hitting a strong shot straight at Kivrak in goal. Trabzonspor's Öztekin then went down the left wing, before crossing low in to the middle, but Bozsovics was on hand to save. Henrique  headed wide a few moments later, but the visitors found it hard to really test the Vidi backline. Altintop came on to add options to the visitors front line, but he was well marked and found it hard to make an impact. Bozsovics did well to save from close range from Henrique, before Gyurcso had a good chance to win the game in the last minute. He received a good ball on the right, before hitting a shot low across the face of the goal, and wide of the mark.

Extra time arrived and went quickly with no chances in the first 15 minutes. Vidi did try to make the breakthrough in the second period of extra time, but once again the play off second leg look destined for the dreaded penalty shootout.

The shootout took place at the end housing the Videoton supporters. Caneira and then Brachi had successful spot kicks, before Aydogdu saw his shot saved by Bozsovics. Young Adam Gyurcso kept his nerves to place the ball into the corner to make it 3-1. Ex Tottenham player Zokora then missed his penatly and the group stages were just a kick away. Mitrovics stepped up to send the home crowd into delight and book a place in the next stage, and three more big nights of European football at the Sostoi. The scenes were one of total celebrations, with the last major success happening 30 years previously. The draw for the groups will take place on Friday afternoon.