FC Zurich clearly prevail in the first leg of the 2nd qualifying round of the Conference League. The result was a 3-0 win against Shelbourne at home in the Letzigrund.
He would be happy with "three or four goals", explained Zurich coach Ricardo Moniz before the game. And his players were to fulfill his wish. The first goal was scored after just half a minute: Ifeanyi Mathew finished confidently after beautiful preparatory work by Juan Perea. It was the prelude to a thoroughly superior performance by the Zurich side.
The Irish, coached by 100-time international Damien Duff, who lead the domestic league after 24 matchdays and are dreaming of their first league title since 2006, were harmless. Veteran Antonio Marchesano took advantage of this to score goals two and three for FCZ in the 29th and 58th minutes. In view of their clear superiority, the home team could only be annoyed that the result was not even higher.
With this lead behind them, however, the Zurich team can travel to the return match, which takes place in Dublin on Thursday, August 1, with peace of mind.
Zurich - Shelbourne 3:0 (2:0)
8676 spectators. - SR Kastrati (KOS). - Goals: 1. Mathew (Perea) 1:0. 29. Marchesano (Mathew) 2:0. 58. Marchesano (Kryeziu) 3:0.
Zurich: Brecher; Katic, Gómez, Kryeziu, Wallner; Mathew, Conde, Marchesano (71. Oko-Flex); Krasniqi (59. Chouiar), Perea (71. Goure), Emmanuel (82. Ligue).
Cautions: 56. Coyle.
SDA
