New Saints trail 2-0 after first leg of Champions League qualifier

The New Saints lost 2-0 to Sabah in the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round tie in Baku. Two second-half goals by the Azerbaijan champions gave the home side the advantage. The New Saints maintained a disciplined defensive shape but could not prevent the late strikes from Veljko Simic and Kaheem Parris.

Coach sees path forward Craig Harrison, head coach of The New Saints, said the result leaves the tie open. "We are well and truly in the tie and we look forward to bringing Sabah back to Park Hall," he said. Harrison noted that a 2-0 deficit is not insurmountable and pointed to the team's recent record at Park Hall.

He said a first goal in the return leg would put the tie back in contention. The coach also praised the planning and execution of the defensive plan in Baku. He added that the players carried out instructions nearly as intended despite the scoreline.