UEFA Champions League: Yaya Touré pulls off a slick move with Slovan Bratislava

04.08.26 FT Champions League

Mjaellby

1

:

Slovan Bratislava

2

Slovan Bratislava pulled off a major result by securing a 2-1 away win over Swedish champions Mjällby in the first leg of the Champions League qualifying play-offs. This victory gives Yaya Touré's side a slight edge heading into the return leg as they chase a spot in the next round.

Yaya Touré keeps his cool

After conceding first to an Elliot Stroud penalty, the Slovaks dug deep in the second half to turn the game around and return home with a precious win ahead of the decisive encounter in Bratislava.

Despite this away victory, Yaya Touré refused to get carried away. The Ivorian coach praised his players' character but admitted his team had suffered against the Swedish champions:

Mjällby played a very good match. They caused us problems and we were lucky at times. I'm happy with the result, but not the entire performance.

The manager specifically lamented his side's lack of aggression in the first half, insisting Slovan will need to show a better face in the return leg.

An almost perfect start to the season

This victory confirms Yaya Touré's excellent start at the helm of Slovan Bratislava. Since his arrival, the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations winner has already led his team to four wins in five official matches.

The Slovak champions had previously won their first two league matches and booked their place in this Champions League qualifying round by knocking out Iberia 1999. Thanks to this hard-earned win in Sweden, Slovan is now edging closer to a spot in the play-off round, the final step before the competition's league phase.

Read also: Official – Hervé Renard appointed new head coach of the Ivory Coast Elephants

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Mjaellby

Slovan Bratislava

Champions League