Santa Clara thump Shkupi to get Europa Conference League campaign off to the perfect start

Santa Clara eased to an impressive 0-3 away victory against North Macedonian outfit FC Shkupi to get their first European campaign since their disappointing Intertoto Cup stint in 2002 off to the best possible start.

Daniel Ramos’ side were largely expected to advance from this tie, but to look so commanding in their opening match away from home is particularly impressive, and it ensures that the Azores outfit already have one foot firmly in the next round.

Fielding a starting lineup consisting entirely of players that were with the club last season, the team’s chemistry was understandably solid, even at this very early stage of the new campaign, and they were dominant from the opening stages onwards.

And it ensured that they didn’t need to wait too long to break the deadlock; some great play from Morita to play in Lincoln allowed Santa Clara to take the lead in the opening half an hour, an own goal ultimately edging the Portuguese side in front with the ball deflecting in off Rwatubyaye from Lincoln’s cross. It was nothing less than Santa Clara deserved though, who looked rampant from the off.

They doubled their lead just after the break, Carlos Junior finding the back of the net with ease after an excellent low cross from Allano allowed the Brazilian to tap home from the six yard box.

Santa Clara then sealed the victory in stoppage time, Costinha taking the ball down well before rifling home with power in the 92nd minute to complete the rout.

That goal also ensured that Santa Clara's victory was the joint biggest away win across all 49 Europa Conference League matches played on the night, with Bodø/Glimt's 0-3 win vs Valur the only other result matching Santa Clara's away margin of victory, making this a night to remember for Santa Clara and their supporters.

The second leg takes place next Thursday, 29th July.

Mikel Villanueva. Photo author: Hayden Schiff. License link.