Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson was the hero as Stoke started life after Steven Schumacher with a 2-1 penalty shoot-out victory over Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup.
The League Two visitors were bidding to reach the fourth round of the competition for the first time in their history.
Charlie Adam’s side forced a shoot-out as Rhys Bennett cancelled out Michael Rose’s header in stoppage time at the bet365 Stadium.
But Johansson kept out spot-kicks from Phoenix Patterson and Ryan Graydon before Mipo Odubeko and Ryan Broom both missed from 12 yards as Stoke, who sacked Schumacher on Monday, advanced.
Jay Lynch, who kept out Stoke’s first penalty in the shoot-out, made a string of fine saves to keep the hosts at bay.
Million Manhoef rattled the bar with a free-kick before Andrew Moran nodded the rebound over.
After the break, Lynch — who earlier denied Lewis Koumas — stopped the Welshman again before another top save kept out Eric-Junior Bocat.
But there was nothing he could do to stop Rose heading home Sol Sidibe’s cross at the back post in the second half.
Patterson almost sent the game to penalties when he was superbly kept out by Johansson late on.
But there was still time for Bennett to convert from Patterson’s dangerous delivery in stoppage time before the shoot-out heartache.
[(SK Slovan Bratislava) Strength]: 1. Coming into the UEFA Europa League Play-off round, SK Slovan Bratislava hope to grab the advantage of advancing in this home game, with full motivation.2. SK Slovan Bratislava defeated MFK Skalica 1-0 at home in the last Slovak Super Liga game. They kept unbeaten in the first 3 league games with 2 wins and 1 draw.3. SK Slovan Bratislava scored in 6 of the last...
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[(Palmeiras) Strength]: 1. In the first leg, Palmeiras secured a resounding 4-0 away victory over Universitario de Deportes, gaining a huge advantage in the race for advancing. Hosting this game at their home ground, Palmeiras will naturally go all out to avoid being reversed by the opponents, ensuring a smooth advance to the next round and continuing their charge towards the Copa Libertadores tro...
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[(West Ham United F.C.) Neutral]: 1. West Ham United F.C. recently expressed their desire to sign their upcoming opponents Chelsea's player Andrey Santos, but their offer was rejected. Chelsea informed West Ham that they have no intention of selling the player.2. West Ham United F.C. scored 46 goals in 38 league games last season, averaging over 1 goal per game. However, their offense is still con...
[(Aberdeen F.C.) Strength]: 1. If Aberdeen F.C. can advance to the UEFA Europa League group stage, it would mark a historic milestone for the club. This huge honor will undoubtedly greatly boost the team's fighting spirit.[(Aberdeen F.C.) Neutral]: 1. The two sides have never met before, and there are no relevant track record available for reference at present.[(Aberdeen F.C.) Weakness]: 1. Aberde...
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