Sensational debut: Sonny Kittel shoots Rakow Tschenstochau for victory in the CL qualification

Sensational debut: Sonny Kittel shoots Rakow Tschenstochau for victory in the CL qualification

Better the debut of Sonny Kittel (30) could not have been walking for Rakow Tschenstochau. The newcomer to the Commars in the Champions League qualification shot the much acclaimed 3-2 winning gate against Qarabag Agdam.

The reigning Polish master can continue to dream of participation in the Champions League-and also owes this to a newcomer to the summer just under a week ago. Rakow Tschenstochau won the first leg in the second round of qualification for the premier class with 3-2 against Azerbaijani representative Qarabag Agdam.

After a goalless first half, Rakow supposedly bent the winner's road thanks to two goals within 16 minutes: An own goal of Qarabag's defender Jafarguliyev and the goal of striker Piasecki meant a 2-0 lead for Cachtochau (55., 71.).

Then the guests struck back ice cold, the Albanian striker Xhixha caused long faces in the Polish champion (73., 75.) with a double strike within just two minutes. Rakow's head coach Dawid Szwarga, only in office since July 1, 2023, had the gold -plated inspiration when he replaced midfielder Kochergin with newcomer Kittel.

The former professional of Hamburger SV, who signed a three -year contract in Tschenstochau until June 30, 2026, did not need a long start -up time to open up to the hero in injury time. Right at the beginning of the six -minute stoppage time, Kittel put home fans with a massive shot in the short upper corner from a half -left position in front of the penalty area in ecstasy (90.+1). Qarabag keeper Magomedaliyev did not make the happiest figure.

Rakow finally brought the lead to the finish and traveled to Azerbaijan with a small advantage next Wednesday (6 p.m.). In any case, time for regeneration remains: The master's second league game on Saturday against Korona Kielce was canceled, so that Kittel & Co. can already focus on the second leg.