Champions League qualifying: Connah's Quay Nomads 0-2 FK Sarajevo
- Published
Both sets of players showed a physical edge at Cardiff City Stadium
Connah's Quay Nomads bowed out of the Champions League at the first hurdle after losing in the first qualifying round to FK Sarajevo.
The Cymru Premier champions now drop into the Europa League second qualifying round.
The Bosnians were in control from the 16th minute when Benjamin Tatar had the ball in the net.
Nomads pressed forward in a feisty second half, but forward Tatar struck again to send Sarajevo through.
The Welsh side had been drawn at home in the tie, which was a one-legged affair rather than the normal two due to the fixture pressures caused by the coronavirus lockdown.
Andy Morrison's side were playing at the the Covid-compliant Cardiff City Stadium, rather than Rhyl's Uefa-standard Belle Vue where Nomads played last season's Europa League qualifiers.
In the larger venue and in a match played behind closed doors, Nomads were always competitive but struggled to create enough chances to knock Sarajevo out of their stride.
Midfielder Aeron Edwards, who Nomads added to their squad during the summer from rivals The New Saints, made his debut for the club.
Sarajevo are now away to Dinamo Brest of Belarus in the second qualifying round on 25-26 August, following their 6-3 victory over Astana of Kazakhstan.
Nomads should find out their Europa opponents after the first round of qualifiers are completed.