Partizan in pole position

Hammarby IF FF 1-1 FK Partizan
FK Partizan took the upper hand in their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie against Hammarby IF FF with a deserved away draw in Stockholm.

Bayern test
With the winners of this two-legged affair set to face German giants FC Bayern München in the third qualifying round, Partizan took control of the tie as Danko Lazovic earned his side a share of the spoils.

Savic impresses
The match began at a high tempo, with both teams creating half chances during the opening exchanges. While the hosts were happy to pump long balls up to their forward players, Partizan looked confident in possession and retained the ball well. Branko Savic was particularly impressive at the heart of the Yugoslavian side, dictating the pace and direction of the match.

Winsnes opener
Hammarby took the lead, somewhat against the run of play, in the 17th minute when a cross from the left flank found Fredrik Winsnes inside the area and he hammered the ball past keeper Radovan Radakovic from close range. Hammarby slowed the pace after the goal but were unable to hold their advantage until the interval, as Lazovic equalised with a well-taken shot eight minutes before half-time.

Excelled in defence
Partizan continued to impress after the break and were content to let Hammarby have much of the possession. Chances came and went for both sides but the visitors excelled in defence, frustrating both the Swedish side and their 20,000 strong support inside the Råsunda stadium.

Far from resolved
Next week's second leg is sure to be a fascinating encounter, as the incentive of a money-spinning tie against Bayern looms large. Partizan will be the happier of the two teams after tonight's match but the final outcome is far from resolved.