# STVV and Omonia Nicosia Europa League playoff > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/stvv-and-omonia-nicosia-europa-league-playoff > Updated: 2026-08-20T06:20:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. STVV (Shintoren VV) secured a 1-0 victory against Cypriot champions Omonia Nicosia in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoffs. This match marked the club’s first appearance in European competition in 23 years. After a scoreless first half, the game remained deadlocked until the final moments. In the 94th minute, captain Shogo Taniguchi scored the decisive goal following a cross from Robin Melran. Taniguchi, a Japanese defender, received praise from local media for his defensive impact. The match also featured the official debut of Ryotaro Araki, who entered as a substitute in the 61st minute after joining from Kashima Antlers. Other Japanese players contributing to the clean sheet included goalkeeper Leo Brian Kokubo, who made several key saves, as well as Nelson Ishiwatari and Kaito Matsuzawa. STVV holds this one-goal advantage heading into the second leg in Nicosia on August 27. A win or a draw will guarantee their advancement to the Europa League group stage. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: STVV secures late win against Omonia Nicosia in Europa League play-off STVV secured a dramatic late victory against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League play-offs, marking their first European appearance in 23 years thanks to a 94th-minute goal by captain Taniguchi. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stvv-secures-late-win-against-omonia-nicosia-in-europa-league-play-off ### 2026-08-19: Shintoren VV defeats Omonia 1-0 in Europa League playoff first leg Shintoren VV defeated Omonia 1-0 in the first leg of the Europa League playoffs, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Japanese defender Shogo Taniguchi. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emperors-cup-football-tournament-begins-in-japan --- Cite as: STVV and Omonia Nicosia Europa League playoff. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/stvv-and-omonia-nicosia-europa-league-playoff