Gonzalo Crettaz sees red as NEC exit, Igor Zlatanovic scores in Champions League qualifying | OneFootball

Champions League qualifying carried a Castellón thread, with two former CD Castellón players in the spotlight. Gonzalo Crettaz was sent off as NEC went out, while Igor Zlatanovic found the net for Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that Crettaz, the NEC Nijmegen goalkeeper, was dismissed on Tuesday in the second leg of their play-off against Bodø/Glimt for handling outside the box. NEC trailed 1-3 from the first leg, and a 3-0 defeat in the return sealed their elimination.

The Argentine, promoted to Segunda with Castellón, had established himself in Nijmegen’s goal. It was the first red card of his career. Coach Dick Schreuder, who returned Castellón to the professional ranks, is now trying to guide NEC towards the continental elite.

NEC reached this stage by edging past Olympiacos after extra time. It was the club’s first appearance at this point of Champions League qualifying and it guaranteed Europa League football.

Igor Zlatanovic, who featured for Castellón in the pandemic-hit Segunda season, led the line for Hapoel Be'er Sheva in qualifying. He struck on 79 minutes in the first leg against Sabah to turn the game after trailing. He scored again in today’s return, but Hapoel were eliminated in extra time.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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