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Partizan confirm play-off place

HJK Helsinki 1-2 FK Partizan (agg: 1-5)
Two goals from Cléo wrapped up the tie for the Serbian champions, who were always in the driving seat following last week's first-leg victory.

Cléo scored twice for Partizan
Cléo scored twice for Partizan ©UEFA.com

FK Partizan confirmed their place in the Friday's UEFA Champions League play-off draw as a 2-1 win at HJK Helsinki wrapped up a comprehensive aggregate triumph.

The Serbian champions put one foot in the next round last week with a 3-0 home win, and two goals from Cléo sealed their third qualifying round success. The Brazilian struck at the beginning and end of proceedings, with Mohamed Kamara's superb strike a consolation of sorts for HJK.

The hosts started brightly, but if they thought there was a glimmer of hope before kick-off, it was extinguished nine minutes in as Ivica Iliev's cross was only half-cleared and the ball fell for Cléo, who lobbed Ville Wallén from 12 metres. An early goal to the good, Partizan could afford to sit back and let Antti Muurinen's team take up the running, although there was no real threat until six minutes before half-time when Kamara found the corner of the net from 30 metres.

HJK continued to press after the interval but the visitors were never really troubled. In the second minute of added time, Cléo struck his second goal of the game – and third of the tie – applying a simple finish from close range. Partizan will enter the draw looking to make the group stage for the first time since 2003/04.

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