( 1-4-1-4-1 )

( 1-4-1-3-2 )

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80'

59'

70'

59'

70'

80'

26'

14'

36'

81'

41'

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Not used: Cătălin Grigore (GK), Ersin Mehmedović, Epaminonda Nicu, Bruno Fernandes - Yuri Zhernov (GK), Szabolcs Huszti, Igor Cheminava, Aleksei Ionov

On Tuesday evening Unirea Urziceni tried to reenact its previous Champions League performances by putting up a heroic defence in the face of the assaults launched by Russia's Zenit. The game, which was played in Bucharest and ended with a goalless draw, counted for the first leg of the Champions League's third preliminary round. Focused and not intimidated by their opponents' value and sports record, Unirea's players permanently tried to push the game towards Zenit's box, however most of their attacks were blocked in the Russians' own half. Unirea played one man down for most of the game after Paduretu was sent off in the 36th minute. Paduretu hit Kerjakov after the latter's fault on goalkeeper Arlauskis. Unirea head coach Levy expressed his satisfaction after the game but stated that the team's chances to qualify remain small: "Zenit did not surprise me. It is a very good team and the return leg will be very difficult. It would be a surprise to eliminate them. We don't have a lot of chances but we will surprise them in the away game. Zenit will have to be careful because a goal could upset them. It will be an interesting game". Russian midfielder Vladimir Bystrov expressed his optimist ahead of the return leg: "Unirea was not dangerous, we dominated the hostilities. We will win the home-game in front of our fans. So this draw in Bucharest is no problem", Bystrov stated. He also accused the referee of failing to award a penalty kick for Zenit. The return leg will take place on Wednesday, August 4, at 7.30 PM in Saint Petersburg.