Universitatea Craiova defeats ML Vitebsk 4-1 in Champions League qualifier

Universitatea Craiova won 4-1 against Belarusian side ML Vitebsk in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League preliminary round. The match was played without spectators at the Municipal Stadium in Mezőkövesd, Hungary. Ștefan Baiaram opened the scoring in the 4th minute, Valeri Gromyko equalised for Vitebsk in the 20th, and Assad Al‑Hamlawi restored the lead with a penalty four minutes later. He added a second penalty before halftime, giving Craiova a 3‑1 lead at the break. Steven Nsimba sealed the victory with a late goal in added time. Al‑Hamlawi was named man of the match with an 8.7 rating. The second leg is scheduled for 15 July at Craiova’s Ion Oblemenco Stadium, where the Romanian side will face the winner of the Borac Banja Luka vs. Levski Sofia tie.