Ten-man Linfield lose to Legia Warsaw in Champions League qualifier

The Blues had Kirk Millar sent off 15 minutes from the end for a second yellow card and shortly afterwards Legia substitute Jose Kante struck the winning goal in the 82nd minute.

Linfield frustrated their opponents in the first half and went close with a Mark Stafford header at the Stadion Wojska Polskiego.

In a frantic finale, Maciej Rosolek rattled the crossbar in the 86th minute as Legia almost doubled their advantage.

Four minutes later, Linfield almost grabbed an equaliser but substitute Christy Manzinga’s effort hit the inside of the post.

Kante’s decisive goal arrived when the striker picked up possession some 20 yards out before unleashing a low drive past Chris Johns into the bottom corner of the net.

The game went ahead despite Polish champions Legia confirming on Monday night that a player had tested positive for Covid-19.

Linfield were granted a bye to the game after Kosovan opponents FC Drita reported two positive cases before last week’s scheduled tie in Switzerland.

The Irish Premiership champions will now drop into the Europa League and a second-round qualifier, while Legia will face Armenian side Ararat or Omonia (Cyprus) in the next round.