Thompson wondergoal helps Rovers progress

David Thompson steered Blackburn into the second round of the UEFA Cup tonight with a wonder goal to end years of heartache in Europe.

But this second leg match ended in high drama with CSKA pegging back a 3-0 lead, leaving Blackburn’s nerves cut to shreds before they secured their passage into the next stage.

Andy Cole was recalled to the starting line-up after his hamstring problems, partnering Egil Ostenstad up front.

Blackburn captain Henning Berg was left flattened in the third minute after a challenge from Velizar Dimitrov but quickly recovered.

Lucas Neill tried to get Blackburn going but a move broke down when his pass to Thompson was over-hit.

CSKA hit back and Todor Yanchev broke forward only to send his 25-yard effort wide of the post.

Thompson was only inches away from giving Blackburn the lead in the 22nd minute after Ostenstad was fouled by Joao Carlos, which earned him the home player a booking.

The former Liverpool winger’s delivery from 20 yards looked perfect, only to drift marginally wide.

Blackburn took the lead on the night and on aggregate as well with a stunning goal from Thompson after 30 minutes.

Ostenstad headed the ball into his path 30 yards out and he took one touch before delivering a thunderous shot which went in off the post.

Damien Duff almost added a second after a neat lay-off from Cole, only for Carlos to make a timely interception for the Bulgarians five minutes before half time.

Blackburn suddenly turned up the heat and scored twice in two minutes to stun the hosts.

Ostenstad, such a fringe player, made it 2-0 following a flick on from Cole after Tugay had split the defence in the 56th minute.

Then Duff got in on the act after a defence-splitting pass from David Dunn to put Blackburn 3-0 ahead on the night and 4-1 up on aggregate.

CSKA, however, pulled a goal back in the 66th minute when sub Emil Gargarov scored with a header.

Then another sub, Agnaldo, ghosted in behind the defence to head home in the 69th minute for the home side‘s second goal.

Then the hosts levelled the scores in the 88th minute when Gargarov scored from the spot after Neill had upended Dimitrov.

The Bulgarians‘ quest for a sensational win were not helped by the 90th-minute dismissal of Dimitrov for a lunge on Thompson.

Blackburn managed to hang on – but Souness will no doubt be furious at the way his team almost let their European adventure slip through their fingers.