Former Inter and Roma player Radja Nainggolan was the big hero for Royal Antwerp in the first match between the teams in the Serie A qualifiers. The Belgian star was in front of goal when Tom Pettersson knocked it over. The Swede played the ball straight into the feet of Koji Miyoshi who sent the ball to Nainggolan. The blunder, which happened just after the break, was to be the beginning of the end for Lillestrøm. Just before the end, Nainggolan punctuated the game with his second goal of the evening. – We simply get two dung goals against. It’s boring that this match is ruined because we don’t dare to be ourselves in the second half, concluded Lillestrøm back Vetle Dragsnes to news after the match. Lillestrøm, who are number two in the Eliteserien, thus lost 3–1 and have a tough task in the return meeting in Belgium. – It is disappointing that we lose. We are punished very hard when we make some simple mistakes, that’s how it is at this level, said Lillestrøm coach Geir Bakke to news. STAR: Nainggolan leads the visitors up 2–1 Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB Heavy start It was Magnus Knudsen who equalized for the home team just before the break. The youngster deflected the ball wide with his left foot, via an opponent and into the goal. The scoring must be said to have come against the run of play. Royal Antwerp had controlled the game for large parts of the half. The Belgians got off to a flying start to the match when Dinis Almeida rose to the air at the near post and thumped in 1-0 after a corner. Goalscorer Knudsen admitted that Lillestrøm were lucky to go into the dressing room with 1-1 at half-time. – It was nice, but also a little undeserved. I hope the second half won’t be the same, I want a bit more play, he told VG. EQUALIZED: Magnus Knudsen. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB Stjernespekket Wish was not fulfilled for Lillestrøm, who had to retrieve the ball from the net just after the break. Thus, the Canaries must win in Belgium to secure promotion in the Serie Liga. Royal Antwerp, who are in second place in the Belgian league after two games, brought a high-profile team to Åråsen. In addition to Nainggolan, former Tottenham player Vincent Jansen was in the starting eleven for the Belgians. The team is coached by Netherlands profile Mark van Bommel and also has former Tottenham star Toby Alderweireld in the stable. The second leg will be played on Thursday 11 August in Antwerp. This is the third round of the series league qualifiers.
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Sterne sank Lillestrøm – blunder was decisive – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
