LNZ and Gent Play Out Goalless Draw in Conference League First Qualifying Round

Ukrainian side LNZ Cherkasy began their European campaign with a dry 0-0 stalemate against Belgian club Gent in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League 2026/27 first qualifying round. The match, played on July 23, 2026, saw both teams struggle to find the net. Unlike the other Ukrainian clubs involved in European action that same day, who produced high-scoring affairs, Vitaliy Ponomaryov's men failed to break through a stubborn Gent defense. Playing as nominal hosts, LNZ had a few chances but couldn't convert. The return leg is scheduled for Thursday, July 30, at the KAA Gent Arena in Belgium, kicking off at 20:30 local time (21:30 Kyiv time). LNZ will then turn their attention to the new Ukrainian Premier League season, visiting Bukovyna on August 3. Lineups: LNZ: Palarchuk — Pasich, Muravskyi, Didyk, Drambaiev — Yakubu, Riabov, Pastukh (T. Brener, 69) — Assinor (Kravchuk, 89), David (Mykytyshyn, 56), Kuzyk (Tsara, 68). Gent: Roef — Ngom (Volcart, 90+2), Burgess, Van der Heyden, Araujo — Lopes, Benesh (Kadri, 60), Delorge (De Vlieger, 78) — Goré (Sonko, 77), Kanga (Dean, 90+1), Vergara. Bookings: Mykytyshyn — Vergara, Van der Heyden.