Egnatia began its historic UEFA Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Danish side Midtjylland at Elbasan Arena on Thursday. Gruda scored for the Albanian side, which claimed its first point in the competition’s league phase.

Egnatia took the lead in the 26th minute when Gruda headed home a cross from the right. However, Midtjylland responded quickly. Cho equalized six minutes later with another header. He found the net again in the 39th minute, but officials ruled out the goal for offside.

The match had initially been scheduled to take place in Tirana. However, authorities moved it to Elbasan amid protests and the situation in the country.

After the break, Midtjylland pushed for a winner, while Egnatia looked for opportunities to regain the lead. Jaime missed a good chance in the 63rd minute, and Bitri later stopped a dangerous Danish attack. Midtjylland also had two goals ruled out, one for a foul on goalkeeper Dajsinani and another for offside. Iheanacho struck the post in the 84th minute, but the officials had already flagged the play for offside.

Egnatia pressed in the closing minutes but could not find a winner. The match ended 1-1, giving the Rrogozhina-based club a point in its historic European campaign.

Egnatia – Midtjylland 1-1

Goals: Gruda 26’, Cho 32’.