Sheriff vs Aluminij

Sheriff Tiraspol failed to break down a resolute Aluminij on Wednesday, the first leg of their UEFA Europa League qualifying tie ending 0-0 at Sheriff Stadium. Despite dominating possession throughout, the Moldovan hosts couldn't find a way through, leaving the tie wide open ahead of the return. The game had a feisty second-half edge, with three yellow cards handed out. Aluminij's Matic Vrbanec was booked in the 46th minute, and Sheriff's Bourama Fomba followed just two minutes later. Deep into stoppage time, Zé Flores also saw yellow as tempers frayed in the closing stages. It's a superb result for Aluminij, who were making their maiden UEFA appearance and return to Slovenia with everything still to play for. For Sheriff Tiraspol, who had strung together eight consecutive home victories going into this tie, it's a frustrating blank — they'll need to find their cutting edge when the sides meet again on July 16.