Ararat-Armenia Draws with Craiova in Europa League Playoff

Armenia's Ararat-Armenia held Romanian club Universitatea Craiova to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff on Thursday. Playing away in Craiova on August 20, Ararat-Armenia took an early lead through Malis before Nicușor Bancu equalized for the hosts. Craiova pressed for a winner in the closing stages but Ararat-Armenia's defense held firm to preserve the tie. The decisive second leg will take place next Thursday in Yerevan, where Ararat-Armenia will attempt to advance to the Europa League group stage with home advantage. Regardless of the playoff outcome, both clubs have secured spots in the UEFA Conference League group stage.