Koper Advances with Late Double in Faroe Islands

NSÍ Runavík started the contest with genuine intent under the Faroese summer sun, but their hopes of progressing took a serious blow when Erik Joensen saw red in the 36th minute. The dismissal fundamentally altered the balance of the tie, leaving the home side to defend with ten men for more than half the match. FC Koper settled into their task thereafter, sensing an opportunity to exploit their numerical advantage as the tie wore on.

The breakthrough came late, with Koper's Benson Irabor finding the net in the 82nd minute to break the deadlock. Three minutes later, Irabor struck again to double the visitors' advantage and effectively settle the tie. The double in quick succession proved the decisive moment, coming when Runavík were tiring against the relentless pressure of their Slovenian opponents.

Koper's patience and composure served them well throughout a match that could have been far tighter had the red card not come early. The visitors managed the game intelligently in the second half, using their extra man to control possession and limit the home team's creative opportunities. Runavík never truly recovered from Joensen's dismissal and the subsequent concession of two quick goals.

The result sees FC Koper progress to the next stage of their Conference League journey with a solid 0-2 away victory. Runavík's hopes of a competitive European run have ended at this qualifying stage, their campaign ultimately decided by the red card and a decisive spell of finishing from their opponents.