Russia`s wealthiest club, Anzhi Makhackala, have kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 home victory over Honved Budapest in the tournament`s second qualifying round.
ґThe match took place in the Moscow Region city of Ramenskoe as UEFA forbid Anzhi to play in Dagestan over to security concerns.
The overall score doesn`t reflect the huge advantage Guus Hiddink`s men had on the night.
Anzhi were especially dangerous in the opening half, in which Samuel Eto`o rocked the cross bar and Lacina Traore missed from point blank.
The only goal of the game was also scored before the break, as Jucilei`s effort took a deflection off the defender`s foot and went into the net on the 22nd minute, 1-0.
Despite having over 70 per cent of the game`s possession, Makhachkala once against revealed their defensive problems, with Honved receiving several good chances to equalize.
Herve Tchami was close to upsetting home keeper Vladimir Gabulov, but his shot ended up hitting the post.
Thanks to Anzhi`s wastefulness, Honved maintain realistic chances to progress to the next round after the second leg of the tie, to take place in the Hungarian capital Budapest on July 26.
RIA Novosti/Grigory Syisoev
sections: Sport |