Sporting Life
Wolves celebrate victory in the Europa League
Wolves celebrate victory in the Europa League

Europa League qualifying: Wolves beat Crusaders, Rangers beat Progres Niederkorn and Aberdeen go through

By Sporting Life
Football
Fri August 02, 2019 · 6y ago

Wolves beat Crusaders to set up a marathon Europa League trip to Armenia, while Rangers and Aberdeen also made comfortable progress into the next round of qualifying.

Raul Jimenez powered Wolves past Crusaders to set them up for a 6,370-mile round trip to Armenia as they continue their Europa League dream.

The striker's brace helped earn a 4-1 win in Belfast - although they now face a gruelling journey just 72 hours before their Premier League campaign starts.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side were forced to come from behind on Thursday but won their second round qualifying tie 6-1 on aggregate.

Ryan Bennett's early own goal gave the visitors a scare but Jimenez's first-half brace - either side of Bennett's header at the right end - put Wolves on course for victory.

Jordan Forsythe's own goal added a fourth for the visitors, who will now travel to FC Pyunik next week in the third qualifying round.

Pyunik beat Jablonec 2-1 on aggregate and Wolves must make the trip for Thursday's game ahead of next Sunday's Premier League opener at Leicester.

It is the price they pay for last season's success and the journey to Armenia, which borders Iran, will test a small squad.

Rangers gain revenge

Rangers gained Europa League revenge on Progres Niederkorn but without exacting cruel retribution as they edged past their old foes with a goalless draw in Luxembourg.

Gers were back at the scene of their worst ever European result as they returned to the Stade Josy Barthel to face the part-time minnows.

But there was no repeat of the disaster that befell Pedro Caixinha's side two years ago as they ground out a 2-0 aggregate win.

Dons hit five

Sam Cosgrove scored a hat-trick as Aberdeen sealed their place in the third qualifying round of the Europa League with a 5-0 win over Georgian side Chikhura Sachkhere.

The Dons striker took his tally to six goals in four games, helping to secure a 6-1 aggregate victory and setting up a clash with Croatian side HNK Rijeka.

Cosgrove opened the scoring after just nine minutes, delaying his shot after a fine move involving Jon Gallagher and Ryan Hedges, before finding the top-right corner of the net despite a touch from goalkeeper Dino Hamzic.

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