BATE cruise into next phase

Two late goals by Sergei Sosnovski and Vitali Rodionov gave FC BATE Borisov a comfortable 4-0 aggregate victory over FK Makedonija Skopje.

Late efforts
The Belarussian champions had won 2-0 in Skopje last week and matched that result at home although their visitors put up a fierce fight in the first half. However, last season's UEFA Champions League group-stage participants made the game, and the tie, safe in the last ten minutes to set up a meeting with either FK Ventspils or F91 Dudelange in the third qualifying round.

Determined effort
Makedonija coach Ilco Gjorgjioski had said last week's home display was his side's "weakest in the last year and a half" and the titleholders from FYR Macedonia put up a determined effort in the opening 45 minutes. However, they could not pierce the BATE back line and the hosts assumed control after the restart. Dmitri Likhtarovich drove in a shot following Igor Stasevich's corner and although it was blocked, Maksim Skavysh pounced on the rebound only to be denied by goalkeeper Danilo Pustinjaković.

Open game
The visitors tried to open the game up in an attempt to get back in the tie but it left space for Viktor Goncharenko's team, who struck twice in the last seven minutes. First, Sosnovski fired into the top corner following Stasevich's pass and then substitute Rodionov added a close-range second deep into added time.