Vitesse Arnhem’s European campaign got off to a poor start as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Dundalk in the first leg of their Europa Conference League tie.
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For the first time in three years, Vitesse Arnhem were involved in a European tie. Defenders Eli Dasa, Romaric Yapi and Jacob Rasmussen were missing, while Oussama Tannane was only on the bench.
Vitesse started strongly and they had the lead in the 20th minute with Matus Bero finishing off a counter-attack. Minutes later, Dundalk gave the hosts a scare by hitting the bar with a strike from distance.
Vitesse failed to add a second goal and in the 65th minute, Dundalk equalised with Patrick McEleny heading in. After the goal, Vitesse brought on Tannane, but it was Dundalk who took the lead through McEleny who netted after cutting across Danilho Doekhi.
The hosts were heading for a defeat but in the 88th minute, Lois Openda found the equaliser with a volley after the ball, fortunately, landed at his feet. The striker was then sent off in injury time as Vitesse had to settle for a draw.
Next week, Vitesse travels to Ireland knowing that away goals no longer count, but it is not the start in Europe that the club will have been looking for.
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