Liberec beat Udinese 3-1 to take control of Europa League playoff

Slovan Liberec have beaten Udinese 3-1 in tonight's Europa League playoff in Italy.

Udinese had a great chance early in the first half, but Luis Muriel hit the bar when well placed.

The home side had the better of the opening exchanges but Muriel was again denied the opening goal, this time by Premysl Kovar in the Liberec goal.

Udinese continued the pressure but went behind on 20 minutes through Serhiy Rybalka's goal.

However, Udinese were level shortly after when Gabriel Silva struck from an Antonio Di Natale assist. Muriel had another chance but again found Kovar in his way.

The goalkeeper was also required to make a decent save after the interval as Francesco Guidolin's side search for a second goal.

Liberec then took the lead through Dzon Delarge after Michael Rabusic had found his strike partner.

Dusan Basta could have equalised but he hit the bar from Di Natale's corner.

The away side secured the first-leg victory with a late strike from Ondrej Kusnir.