CSKA Sofia 3 Blackburn 3
(4-4 on aggregate, Blackburn win on away goals)
Blackburn Rovers survived a late onslaught from CSKA Sofia to squeeze through on the away goals rule to the second round of the UEFA Cup in Sofia tonight.
Blackburn, held 1-1 at home in the first leg, appeared to be coasting through after taking a three goal lead, only to be pegged back to 3-3 as the Bulgarians fought back with three goals in the final 24 minutes.
Midfielder David Thompson put the away side ahead after 31 minutes with a fine strike from distance that deflected in off the post.
Two goals in quick succession soon after half-time then put Blackburn in control.
Andy Cole threaded a fine pass through to Egil Ostenstad to make it 2-0 on 56 minutes, then a minute later Damien Duff ended a mazy run with a great finish to hand Blackburn a two goal cushion.
Emil Gargorov kick-started the fightback on 66 minutes and five minutes later Brazilian Agnaldo headed home a second.
Two minutes from time Gargorov levelled the scores on the night from the penalty-spot after Lucas Neill had felled Velizar Dimitrov.
The drama continued during four minutes of injury time, with CSKA striker Velizar Dimitrov shown a red card.