Dynamo power to victory

By Türker Tozar

Ten-man FC Dynamo Kyiv produced a fine team performance to turn around a first-leg deficit and qualify for the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Trabzonspor.

First-half goals
The Turkish side led 2-1 from the first leg, but lost 2-0 at the Hüseyin Avni Aker through first-half goals from Goran Gavrancic and Diogo Rincón which earned Joszef Szabo's side a place in Thursday's group stage draw.

Dead-ball danger
Despite beginning with the advantage, Trabzonspor were cautious from the first whistle and soon conceded the initiative. Only six minutes into the game Dynamo defender Gavrancic opened the scoring with a header from a free-kick. Then on 28 minutes he flicked the ball goalwards from a corner in a bid for a second. Though his effort hit the post, Rincón was on hand to apply the finish.

Bispo dismissed
Trabzonspor coach Ziya Dogan decided to take risks and replaced Hasan Üçüncü with Guinean forward Ibrahima Yattara, but the substitute picked up an injury shortly afterwards and had to be withdrawn himself at half-time. But the home side's luck seemed to have turned when Dynamo's Rodolfo Dantas Bispo was sent off for a second bookable offence two minutes into the second half.

Tactical switch
Szabo brought on defensive midfield player Andriy Husin to protect the aggregate lead, leaving Maris Verpakovskis as the lone striker. Despite the time and space this afforded Trabzonspor, the Turkish team were unable to capitalise and will now focus their attentions on the UEFA Cup.