Wolverhampton Wanderers cruised past Crusaders in Thursday’s Europa League qualifier with Raul Jimenez and Joao Mountinho starring at Seaview.
Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter has paid tribute to Wolverhampton Wanderers after the Premier League outfit produced a ‘masterclass’ in their 4-1 victory on Thursday night, while speaking to the Belfast Telegraph.
Wolves were already two goals up from the first leg of their Europa League qualifier ahead of the return clash at the Seaview Stadium. But after Ryan Bennett’s early own goal gave Crusaders a shock lead on the night and halved the deficit, it didn’t take long for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to express their superiority.
Raul Jimenez scored with two of the most clinical finishes you’re ever going to see while Bennett even netted at the right end. Jordan Forsythe looped a header into his own net late on, sealing a 4-1 second leg victory that never looked in doubt.
Wolves dominated throughout, tallying 18 shots and 76 per cent of the possession with Joao Moutinho particularly impressive while pulling the strings from the centre of the park.
And Baxter, while proud of his side’s efforts, admits that Wolves were almost impossible to stop once they settled into their rhythm.
“It’s never easy losing 4-1 but when it’s to Wolves, you say ‘fair enough’,” said Baxter.
“They did us such an honour in playing their best team in both legs. They gave us a masterclass in ball retention and movement. When you see them up close and how they operate, for us to stand up against that has been fantastic.
“Their movement was so good. They’re three and four steps ahead of you.”
Wolves will now face off against Armenian minnows FC Pyunik next time out as they look to seal their place in the Europa League proper. Though if Nuno goes full strength again and starts Moutinho, Jimenez, Ruben Neves and co, they should make easy work of their eastern European opposition.
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