NK Varaždin beat Santa Clara 2:1 in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League qualifier. Varaždin had the better first half and deservedly led 1:0 at halftime. Ivan Mamut scored for Varaždin in the 10th minute after he had been awarded a penalty. Mamut lashed the ball into the middle of the net. Varaždin thought they had doubled their lead in the 25th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Although Santa Clara had more possession of the ball, Varaždin was creating chances for a goal. Santa Clara goalkeeper Gabriel Batista saved a goal from Leon Belcar's header. Vasco Matos probably had some choice words for his players at halftime, as Santa Clara came out revitalized in the second half. Anthony Carter had a chance for a goal right after halftime, but his shot was too close to Zelenika. Varaždin hit back and it needed another sharp save from Batista to deny Mamut. But Santa Clara was now asking serious questions of Varaždin's defense and equalized in the 55th minute. Lucas Soares did well to win the ball near the corner flag, his cut-back completely missed by Gabriel Silva, but the ball fell to Adriano Firmino who smashed a half-volley into the corner of the net from 25 yards out. Santa Clara was now on top, but Gabriel Batista was called into action again when he saved from Mamut after a dangerous counter-attack. But Santa Clara was well on top now, with substitutes Wendel Silva and Serginho bringing new zest to their attacks. Gabriel Silva missed a great chance when he shot weakly from the center of the box, and only a fine Zelenika save denied Wendel Silva after g