Defender Cosmin Moti scores and saves in Ludogorets shootout win

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Cosmin MotiImage source, EPA
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Cosmin Moti has won five caps for Romania - as a defender.

Defender Cosmin Moti saved two shootout penalties to send Bulgarian side Ludogorets into the group stage of the Champions League for the first time.

The centre-half, 29, went in goal after keeper Vladislav Stoyanov was sent off in the final minute of extra time.

In an an incredible finale to the tie with Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest, Moti scored the first spot-kick and then saved two penalties.

The group stage draw takes place on Thursday at 16:45 BST.

Ludogorets's Champions League dream had looked over going into the final stages.

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Ludogorets were only formed in their current guise in 2001.

Trailing 1-0 to Steaua from the first leg, the Bulgarian champions forced extra-time when substitute Wanderson volleyed home a wonderful last-minute equaliser from 20 yards.

Stoyanov was then dismissed in the final minute of extra-time for hacking down Fernando Varela, and, with no substitutions left, Moti volunteered to go in goal for the shootout.

Wearing the black shirt of substitute keeper Ivan Cvorovic, Moti confidently smashed home the opening kick to put his side ahead.

He then dived to his right to deny Paul Pirvulescu before stopping Cornel Rapa's tame effort.

Moti, a Romanian international who spent seven years with Steaua's city rivals Dinamo Bucharest, leapt over the advertising boards to celebrate with the home fans.

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