Rilwan Hassan got on the scoresheet but it was not enough for Midtylland as they suffered a 3-2 defeat away to Arka Gdynia during their Uefa Europa League third round qualifier on Thursday evening.
The Polish outfit took the lead on the half hour mark through a brilliant individual effort by Marcus Vinicius who beat his marker and belted home a thumping drive into the top corner.
But just three minutes later, the Nigerian midfielder got his side back in the game controlling a pass from Gustav Wikheim on the edge of the box, he left three Arka defenders in his wake before riffling home from close range.
The Wolves then went ahead with 36 minutes played courtesy Marc Hende’s header after a pinpoint corner delivery by Jakob Poulsen. But the lead was short lived as the Polish Ekstraklasa outfit were awarded a penalty – and Vinicius stepped up to dispatch expertly to end a high octane first half that saw four goals scored between the sides.
The second half didn’t have the same intensity as Jess Thorup’s side who also fielded Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu - lost the game right at the death after Rafai Siemaszko headed in Michal Nalepa’s free kick delivery.
The Danish Superliga outfit will now head home to host the Yellow-Blue at the MCH Arena on August 3rd with two away goals providing cause for optimism despite the loss.
