Thun write club history with win over Kiev
FC Thun have caused a sensation in the second qualifying round of the European Champions League, beating Dynamo Kiev 1-0 in Bern.
The only goal of the match at the new Stade de Suisse came in the 91st minute from Brazilian Tiago Bernardi. The teams drew 2-2 in the first leg in Kiev.
Thun, competing in the Champions League for the first time, now go on to meet Malmö of Sweden in the third and final qualifying round.
Wednesday’s result is all the more remarkable since Dynamo Kiev have failed only once in the past ten years to qualify for the final stages of the Champions League.
The minnows from Thun held their opponents in check until the final stages of the game when Dynamo Kiev had two or three good chances.
Substitute Bernardi
But Bernardi, who only came on as a substitute three minutes from time, sealed victory for Thun with a header.
Shortly afterwards Thun’s Silvan Aegerter came close to making it 2-0.
Dynamo Kiev’s frustration was evident when defender Rodrigo committed a harsh foul on his Brazilian compatriot Leandro Vieira and was shown the red card just before the final whistle.
Never in their 107-year history have Thun participated in the final phase of a European cup competition.
Whatever happens when Thun take on Malmö later this month, the team from the Bernese Oberland – who last season finished runners-up in Switzerland’s Super League – are certain of being able to continue their European adventure.
If they are eliminated from the Champions League, they will go into the first round proper of the Uefa Cup.
swissinfo with agencies
Stade de Suisse, Bern:
Thun 1 – Dynamo Kiev 0 (3-2 on aggregate).
Goal scorer: Tiago Bernardi (91st minute).
Attendance: 25,728.
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal).
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