Players, coaches and the sports director agreed: noone underestimated FC Sheriff before the match at Lerkendal - except maybe the supporters and the media.

The match at Lerkendal was more even that many would have believed in advance.

"The newspapers said that Sheriff would be a walkover for us. Our reports, however, showed that the team held a good Tippeliga standard. I think they would have done well in the Tippeliga," Sports Director Rune Bratseth says to Norwegian broadcaster TV3.

In other words, the opponent didn't surprise - it was Rosenborg that failed.

"We did a rotten first half. Luckily, it improved some in the second," Ola By Rise states.

In the end, Christer George saved Rosenborg's honour. But the substitute should have scored yet another time when he missed on blank goal after a good pass from Jan Gunnar Solli.

"It was obviously an enormous chance, and the miss overshadowed my goal - at least some," 'Georgie' says, and adds that he sees great potential for improvements in the team:

"We had no rythm in the midfield and in the attack phase, and we have lots to work with before the away leg," the match winner feels.

Erik Hoftun is optimistic prior to the second game in Tiraspol, coming Wednesday.

"If we avoid losing, we're through - it's as simple as that. But the game will be a totally different one. Now, the Moldovans have to go forward to score a goal, and that will give us openings," the captain says to TV3.