TNS have mountain to climb after defeat in Gothenburg

Carl Markham

The New Saints’ hopes of progressing in the Champions League were dealt a blow after a 3-1 defeat to BK Hacken in Gothenburg.

They were 2-0 down inside the opening 13 minutes of their first qualifying round first leg courtesy of goals from Ibrahim Sadiq and Mikkel Rygaard.

The Welsh Premier League champions got themselves back into the game with Declan McManus powering home a 32nd-minute header from Jordan Williams’ cross.

However, within five minutes, Even Hovland re-established the hosts’ two-goal cushion after a long VAR check.

The two sides will meet again next Tuesday, July 18, at The Park Hall Stadium.

Uchafbwyntiau / Highlights 🎥🏆

BK Häcken – official 3-1 @tnsfc

Gwaith i'w wneud yn yr ail gymal i'r Seintiau 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿@ChampionsLeague | #UCL pic.twitter.com/z1uAHTHLrf

— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) July 12, 2023

🗒 MATCH REPORT: Declan McManus scored his first UEFA Champions League goal, but The New Saints fell just short against a strong BK Häcken side in Sweden…#UCL

— The New Saints FC (@tnsfc) July 12, 2023