It was expected to beryllium a elemental walkover for NSI Runavík successful Helsinki.
The Faroese underdogs thrashed HJK Helsinki 4‑0 successful nan first limb of nan Conference League’s first qualifying information connected July 10.
In nan 2nd leg, astatine Bolt Arena successful Helsinki, nan Faroese broadside started poorly, arsenic Fabian Østigård Ness was sent disconnected aft conscionable 15 minutes.
But what happened adjacent wasn’t conscionable a comeback for nan Finnish team, it was a shot epic.
HJK Helsinki fired 60 shots successful an epic comeback!
HJK flipped nan book pinch a 5‑0 triumph aft other time, sealing a stunning aggregate triumph. In nan 4th infinitesimal of added time, Antzoulas scored to make it 4-0 and nonstop nan lucifer into other time, wherever HJK doubled nan play pinch nan winner.
But there’s more.
Official stats show HJK fired disconnected a staggering 60 shots during nan epic turnaround, an astonishing measurement successful modern football. After 90 minutes, nan location broadside had already racked up 48 shots astatine NSI Runavík’s goal.
Now they beforehand successful nan 2nd qualifying information to look Bulgaria’s Arda Kardzhali.
Why this matters successful European football
Comebacks from four-goal deficits successful UEFA competitions are unbelievably rare.
Before this, only 5 teams had done it: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Zenit, Partizan, and Leixões.
- Zenit Sankt Petersburg vs. Dinamo Minsk (2018/19)
- Barcelona vs. PSG (2016/17)
- Real Madrid vs. Borussia Monchengladbach (1985/86)
- Partizan Belgrade vs. QPR (1984/85)
- Leixões vs. FC La Chaux-de-Fonds (1961/62)
HJK Helsinki’s sanction now joins that elite list, an unforgettable reminder that nary scoreline is safe successful shot and nary comeback is impossible.
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