Genkov rescues Wisla

Ten-man Wisla Krakow earned a 1-1 draw with Standard Liege in the first leg of their last 32 Europa League tie

Wisla overcome Czekaj sending off to earn draw

Ten-man Wisla Krakow earned a 1-1 draw with Standard Liege in the first leg of their last 32 Europa League tie Tsvetan Genkov snatched a late equaliser as Wisla shrugged off the early dismissal of Michael Czekaj to give themselves hope of progressing to the last 16. Visitors Standard Liege looked set to give themselves a first-leg advantage after Gohi Cyriac converted the penalty which had seen Czekaj red-carded for a professional foul in the 26th minute. But Wisla kept fighting and will go to Belgium on level terms after grabbing their leveller two minutes from time when Maor Melikson's left-wing free-kick was slotted home by Genkov. Melikson's set-pieces stretched the visitors in the early stages and the Israeli midfielder had the first real chance in the 22nd minute when he met a Genkov cross, but his shot was easily saved by Sinan Bolat. Wisla came closer in the 17th minute when Melikson was fouled by Reginal Goreux 25 yards from goal and Lukasz Gargula stepped up to curl the resulting free-kick against the bar. Melikson hit another simple chance wide before Standard threatened with a shot from Mohamed Tchite which was fumbled by Wisla keeper Sergei Pareiko to almost give the hosts the lead. Czekaj pulled down Yoni Buyens when he was in a scoring position in the 26th minute, resulting in the red card and the spot-kick from which Cyriac put the visitors in front. But Standard failed the make the most of their numerical advantage with a long-range Luis Seijas effort which sailed over the bar all they had to show for the rest of their efforts in the first half. Patryk Malecki volleyed a good chance over the bar for Wisla early in the second period and then the Belgians threatened with both Seijas and Michy Batshuayi bringing saves out of Pareiko. Wisla began to threaten as the minutes went by and forced a succession of corners in a strong spell of pressure. And they levelled when Andras Kirm was fouled by Laurent Ciman and Genkov converted Melikson's free-kick.