Farid Zato Reflects on Champions League Debut After Reykjavik’s Exit
BBC Sport – African Football
Togolese international Farid Zato has had his first taste of UEFA Champions League action, turning out for his new club, Reykjavik FC, in the second qualifying round against Scottish giants Celtic. Despite a spirited effort, the Icelandic side fell short, losing 1-0 in the first leg and ultimately bowing out of the competition in Glasgow.
Zato, who joined the Icelandic outfit earlier this year, admitted the challenge of playing in Europe’s elite club competition was a step up from domestic fixtures.
“We clearly notice that it’s a big competition that is different from league matches,” the 26-year-old midfielder told africatopsports.com on Thursday. “I’m disappointed with the defeat. After the first match at home, we saw that we could do a few things. When we got there, it didn’t work out, especially since we conceded so quickly.”
Facing a team with Celtic’s pedigree was always going to be a formidable task for Reykjavik, who are still relatively new to the European stage. Despite the early exit, the experience marks a key milestone in Zato’s career, as the former Libertys Centre and Dynamique Togolais player continues to develop his game on a bigger stage.
Now eliminated from the Champions League, Zato is shifting focus to domestic priorities. With Reykjavik still in the race for the Icelandic title and having booked their place in the national cup final, the Togolese international remains optimistic about ending the season with silverware.
“Our objective is to finish at the top of the table and win the cup, since we have qualified for the final,” he said.
Reykjavik will face Keflavik in the Icelandic Cup final, scheduled for August 16. It will be a crucial encounter for the club and for Zato, who will be aiming to cap off his debut season in Iceland with a major trophy.
Despite the disappointment of an early Champions League exit, Farid Zato’s European journey is just beginning — and the Icelandic football scene may be the perfect platform for him to rise further.
