Gent vs LNZ Cherkasy - Europa Conference League

Gent controlled the vast majority of this second-leg encounter without ever managing to find the breakthrough that would have settled nerves far earlier. With 59% possession, 16 shots and 14 corners, the Belgian side were the dominant force throughout, but a combination of poor finishing and resolute Ukrainian defending meant the contest stretched into extra time and eventually penalties. LNZ Cherkasy, despite their limited attacking output — just 13 shots and three on target — kept themselves in the tie through discipline and a willingness to absorb pressure, threatening sporadically on the counter. The tie had been level from the first leg heading in, and with neither side able to break the deadlock across 120 minutes, it came down to spot-kicks. Gent held their nerve better in the shootout, converting four of their penalties while Davy Roef denied two LNZ takers to seal a 4-2 victory and progression into the next round of the Europa Conference League. For a Gent side with European ambitions, advancing past a lower-prestige opponent was the minimum requirement, and they just about delivered.