Lillestrøm SK's Europa League campaign began with a shock 2-1 home defeat to Portuguese second-division side Torreense on Thursday. Defensive errors proved costly for the Norwegian side against a team that won their domestic cup last season.
Defensive frailties
Torreense took the lead after 23 minutes when Alex Alfaro found the net following a pass from David Bruno. Lillestrøm held firm until the break, but just two minutes into the second half, Manu Ponzo made it 2-0 to the visitors. Viaplay expert Tor Ole Skullerud was blunt in his assessment., LSK defend terribly. It's a horrible start to the second half, Skullerud said.
Substitute Thomas Lehne Olsen pulled one back in the 78th minute after a fine assist from Felix Vá. That provided hope, and when David Bruno received a second yellow card late on, Lillestrøm won a well-placed free kick. Lehne Olsen's effort, however, struck the wall, and a late push failed to produce an equaliser.
Ødegaard's reaction
Manager Hans Erik Ødegaard was clearly frustrated when speaking to Viaplay after the final whistle., It's not good enough. We make an incredible number of simple mistakes, Ødegaard said. The defeat comes during an inconsistent run for the team, which has recorded three wins and two losses in its last five matches.
The loss to Torreense follows a 2-0 victory over Vålerenga and a 2-1 away defeat to Brann. Lillestrøm have no time to dwell, as a key away fixture against Viking in the Eliteserien awaits on Sunday, 20 September. The team will then travel to face Rosenborg at Lerkendal on Sunday, 27 September. View the full fixture list for an overview of the upcoming challenges. Felix Vá, the team's top scorer with five goals this season, will be key to turning the tide.
The report in full is at nettavisen.no
