Ekranas hold BATE to scoreless draw

PANEVEZYS, Lithuania – A ten-man Ekranas side have left themselves with everything to do on the road next week after resisting late pressure from Belarusian club BATE to hold on for a 0-0 draw on the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third round qualifying match.

BATE were heavily favored to win the tie and justified the favoritism tag by dominating proceedings, hitting three shots on target and a further 14 off target, compared to a combined effort of just three from their opposition.

Yet despite being reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Marko Andjelkovic in the 58th minute following his challenge on Pavel Nekhaychik, Ekranas were remaining steadfast, effectively frustrating BATE’s offense.

BATE will now host Ekranas for the second leg match on Tuesday, August 16.