Frustrated Malmo boss Jon Dahl Tomasson admits his team really should have killed off HJK Helsinki to set up a Champions League date with Rangers at the first attempt.
The Swedish title winners claimed a 2-1 win at home thanks to goals from Antonio Colak and Anders Christiansen - but only after allowing Roope Riski to fire the Finns ahead on Wednesday night.
It means the tie is still delicately poised ahead of next week’s return in Helsinki as both sides target a place in the third qualifying round, where the winner will host Steven Gerrard ’s Premiership Invincibles on August 3 before travelling to Glasgow a week later.
But Tomasson believes his team should already be packing for their Champions League date at Ibrox.
“It was a match we controlled but that we really should have decided much earlier,” said the former Denmark and AC Milan ace after the game.
“The guys did a good job with the way the match developed and we are satisfied.
“They scored with their only real chance, which is proof that we set up the defence really well. We have put ourselves in a good position for the return in Helsinki next week.
“In the first half we were a bit sloppy with the ball but our pressing game worked well.
“We scored a late goal in the first half which raised us up for the second half and when we came out after the break, I think we delivered a nice performance both with and without the ball.”
Well-travelled Croatian striker Colak - currently on-loan from Greek outfit POAK - fired his 10th goal in 14 games already this season to put Malmo back on track and he got a rave review from his manager.
Tomasson added: "I am happy for Colak’s fine goal form.
“Antonio is a guy who always puts the team first and I like that type of player.
“He is involved in the game but is also skilled at involving the players he has around him. He makes an impression on the pitch but also takes great responsibility off it.”
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