Soumah, Ricardo and Popovic after the game

After winning Santa Clara 3-2 on aggregate, Partizan qualified for Conference League group stage. Seydouba Soumah won the penalty for Partizan but had to be subbed moments later due to an injury.

“We qualified for the group stage and everyone is happy. As for my injury, I`ll know in the days ahead how serious it is and we`ll see how I`m going to feel. I felt pain during one of my runs and I knew I wasn`t able to play more. I wanted to go out straight away for someone fit and fresh who can help the team. I`m so happy we are through to the group stage”, said 30-year-old Guinean midfielder.

Ricardo Gomes scored Partizan opener from the spot.

“Half of this win goes to the team, other half is down to our fans. The support we have is incredible, they keep pushing us forward. We showed what Partizan is today! In my first spell with Partizan, we didn`t qualify for European group stage, now we did it. I`m over the moon after our performance and the win we achieved. Big thanks to our fans on their support”, said 29-year-old Cape Verdean forward.

Once again, Aleksandar Popovic provided safety between the posts.

“Thanks to all the fans! We managed to go through, we kept trying and did our best. Thanks to everyone on their support. We had no choice but to attack. We were a bit poor in the first half away to Santa Clara but we were good at home, got the result. Praise to all the players, on their defending and attacking performance, this is a team win. We move forward now, it`s always tense in domestic championship and we have game this weekend to turn to”, said 21-year-old Partizan keeper.