FCI Levadia Defeats the Georgian Champions and Advances to the UEFA Conference League Third Qualifying Round!

FCI Levadia Defeat FC Iberia to Advance to UEFA Conference League Third Qualifying Round!

On Tuesday, FCI Levadia defeated the reigning Georgian champions FC Tbilisi Iberia 1999 in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, securing their place in the next stage of the competition!

Compared to the home match in Tallinn, Levadia made two changes to the starting lineup: captain Rasmus Peetson replaced Tanel Tammik, and Mark Oliver Roosnupp started instead of Bubacarr Tambedou.

The Greens travelled to Georgia with a narrow 1–0 lead from the first leg. A draw in Tbilisi would have been enough to go through. However, the task was made difficult not only by the passionate home crowd but also by the 34°C heat at kickoff.

Iberia came out aggressively, knowing they needed an early goal. Already in the 6th minute, Amiran Dzagania hit the post with a backheel effort. Levadia goalkeeper Karl Andre Vallner was tested several times in the first half but managed to keep the ball out until the 40th minute, when Giorgi Tabatadze crossed from the left, and Guram Goshteliani struck from close range – 1–0 on the night and 1–1 on aggregate.

First half stats:

• Possession: 57%–43%
• Shots: 4–1
• Shots on target: 3–0
• Corners: 3–2

At halftime, head coach Curro Torres made a bold change, bringing off first-leg goalscorer Ernest Agyiri and introducing 19-year-old Carlos Torres. The young midfielder made an immediate impact – in the 47th minute, he received a pass from Edgar Tur and fired home with his left foot to level the match 1–1 and put Levadia back in front on aggregate, 2–1.

Iberia kept pressing and were rewarded in the 87th minute. After a foul by Tambedou, Tabatadze delivered a precise free-kick, which Derek Agyakwa converted to make it 2–1 and 2–2 on aggregate.

Despite Iberia’s pressure, Levadia held on, and the match went into extra time.

Second half stats:

• Possession: 59%–41%
• Shots: 13–5
• Shots on target: 8–4
• Corners: 1–1

In extra time, Levadia showed more energy and desire. The decisive moment came in the 109th minute when Alexandre Lopes Gomes broke free on the left and crossed to Robert Kirss, who bundled the ball into the net – 2–2, and 3–2 on aggregate!

Levadia defended resolutely in the closing minutes and, at the final whistle, the exhausted players collapsed to the turf in joy – their European summer continues!

Next Opponent: FC Differdange (Luxembourg)

In the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round, FCI Levadia will face Luxembourg’s FC Differdange.

• First leg: Away, August 7
• Second leg: Home, August 14 (A. Le Coq Arena)

Tickets go on sale today!
Come to the stadium and support the team as they aim to reach the first play-off round in club history!

Photo: FCI Levadia