Lillestrom 2-1 Egnatia Rrogozhinë: Olsen completes extra-time comeback

Lillestrom defeated Egnatia Rrogozhinë 2-1 after extra time in the UEFA Europa League play-offs at Åråsen on Thursday, recovering from a half-time deficit to secure the victory. Egnatia Rrogozhinë led 1-0 at the interval, but Lillestrom levelled late in normal time before completing the turnaround in extra time.

Egnatia take the lead

The visitors made the stronger start on the scoreboard when E. Sota opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. Fernando Medeiros supplied the assist, giving Egnatia Rrogozhinë a lead they carried into the break. Lillestrom were also forced into an early change, with S. Kristiansen replacing R. Gabrielsen after seven minutes.

The first half included a yellow card for Lillestrom’s G. Nyheim in the 24th minute, while F. Gulbrandsen was booked just before the interval. Egnatia’s E. Ndreca received a yellow card in the 46th minute and was later replaced by A. Yago in the 54th.

Late Lillestrom response

Lillestrom gradually turned the match in their favour after the interval and found an equaliser in the 82nd minute. S. Foss finished a move created by Y. Ibrahimaj, making it 1-1 and sending the match beyond the scheduled 90 minutes. The goal was a significant turning point after Egnatia had protected their advantage for much of the contest.

Egnatia made a double change in the 77th minute, with J. Montenegro replacing D. Adjessa and A. Kryeziu coming on for K. Loukili. Lillestrom had also introduced L. Alperud for Y. Paintsil in the 67th minute. E. Sota, who had given Egnatia the lead, was booked in the 80th minute.

Olsen decides extra time

Lillestrom completed their comeback in the fourth minute of extra time. T. Olsen scored in the 94th minute after an assist from S. Akanji, putting the home side 2-1 ahead. Akanji had entered for L. Alperud in the 89th minute, making an immediate contribution after the match moved into its decisive phase.

The remaining extra-time minutes produced no further goals. H. Melland was shown a yellow card for Lillestrom in the 120th minute, the final disciplinary incident recorded. With the 2-1 result, Lillestrom advanced as the match winner, while Egnatia Rrogozhinë were left to reflect on surrendering a lead. No standings data is available for either team, so the effect on their league positions cannot be assessed. The result does, however, give Lillestrom a win after their most recent recorded form was a draw, while Egnatia’s listed sequence of loss, win, draw and loss ends with another defeat.