The Bulgarian A Professional Football Group, the top division of Bulgarian soccer, was won last year by PFC Litex Lovich. As a result, Litex qualified for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions' League. In theory, if they kept winning, Litex could become the champions of Europe.
In the second qualifying round, Litex was up against FK Rudar Pljevlja of Montenegro. This was a pretty easy draw, and Litex cruised -- winning 1-0 at home and 4-0 on the road.
In the third qualifying round, Litex drew MSK Zilina of Slovakia. This is a much tougher challenge; you will recall that Slovakia did pretty well in the World Cup this summer. The first leg was played in Bulgaria on Tuesday, July 27. Zilina took the lead with a goal in the 65th minute, but Litex bounced back with a tying goal in the 78th minute. You can see the two goals here. Litex is in orange (enjoy the music).
So Litex is in a hole as they head to Slovakia for the second leg on August 4. A scoreless draw would put Zilina through on the away goals rule, so Litex has got to score. If they can advance, however, they will be only one match away from the Champions' League Round of 32.
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