Gent held to 0-0 draw in Ukraine as Conference League hopes hang by a thread
Gent were held to a 0-0 draw by Ukrainian side Tsjerkasy in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The Buffalo’s missed key chances and now face a must-win scenario in next week’s home leg.
The first-leg clash in Ukraine was a dull affair with few clear-cut chances. Tsjerkasy, the Ukrainian league runners-up with 20 clean sheets from 30 games, proved a tough nut to crack. Gent struggled to create and will now need a miracle at home to progress.
Key moments: Goore hits the woodwork
The biggest chance of the game came after a mix-up in the Tsjerkasy defence. With goalkeeper Palamarchuk stranded out wide following a turnover, Christian Kanga and Viktor Goore broke forward. Goore smashed a shot against the crossbar - a miss that summed up Gent’s afternoon.
Christian Burgess and Josue Vergara impressed in their first outing for Gent. Burgess anchored the defence reliably, while Vergara injected energy and physicality into the attack. Both newcomers earned praise for their displays.
Why this draw stings
Gent had the chance to seal a place in the next round but were repeatedly thwarted by Tsjerkasy’s resolute defence. The Ukrainian side held firm and barely allowed Gent a sniff of goal. The Buffalo’s now face a do-or-die clash at Ghelamco Arena next week.
As of now, Gent sit fifth in the Jupiler Pro League with 24 points from 32 games (13W-7D-12L) and a +4 goal difference (51 scored, 47 conceded). With Union St. Gilloise 15 points clear, every European point counts.
What’s next?
In one week’s time, Gent host Tsjerkasy at Ghelamco Arena. The pressure is now squarely on the home side to progress. A win or even a draw with a positive goal difference would be enough to advance. The return leg promises to be a stern test for the Ukrainians, who have yet to concede in Europe this season.
Gent’s next league fixture is away to Sint-Truiden on 13 February 2027. For now, all focus is on the Conference League and the chance to reach the group stage.
