Craiova eliminated from Europa League by late goal

Universitatea Craiova's Europa League campaign has ended in dramatic fashion, with the Romanian club suffering a late 1-0 defeat to Ararat-Armenia in the second leg of their playoff tie. The aggregate score finished at 2-1, sending the Armenian side through and Craiova to the Conference League.

The match was a tense affair, with chances at both ends throughout the first half. Ararat-Armenia had early opportunities, while Craiova created a double chance through Assad and Bancu. Goalkeeper Bravim was kept busy for the visitors, making crucial saves to deny Baiaram and Bancu.

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The execution had to be repeated because Romanchuk had entered the area before the ball was hit.

Craiova dominated the second half, creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, Bravim was in exceptional form, thwarting efforts from Screciu, Baiaram, Assad, Mora, and Teles, including a one-on-one save against Teles. Craiova also had multiple penalty appeals turned down by the referee, with VAR reviews confirming the decisions.

The heartbreak for Craiova arrived in stoppage time. In the 90+3rd minute, Ararat-Armenia was awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Goalkeeper Popescu saved the initial spot-kick, but the penalty had to be retaken due to an encroachment by a defender. Popescu saved the second attempt as well, but the rebound fell to Lima, who slotted the ball into the empty net in the 90+8th minute to secure the win for Ararat-Armenia.

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Lima scored into the empty net in the 90+8th minute and brought victory to the Armenians.