Wolves in Europe: Another top night under Molineux lights
Memorable Molineux nights have been aplenty since Nuno Espirito Santo walked in at Wolves a couple of years ago.
Famous triumphs against Manchester United in both the FA Cup quarter-finals and Premier League from last term spring straight to mind.
The ones against Liverpool in the Cup, and Chelsea and Arsenal in the league, were not bad either.
And now, you can add this clash with Belfast-based Crusaders to the list.
Not because of the magnitude of the win – after all, a greater margin of victory was expected after Wolves were 1/250 to come out on top – but because of the size of the occasion.
Patient, long-serving supporters had a 39-year wait for European involvement brought to an end, while the younger generation of fans may well have witnessed the first of many Europa League – or even Champions League, should we dare to dream for more – games at their beloved ground.
As the Wolves players entered the field, with the usual flashing lights and pyrotechnics in the already scorching heat, the old gold faithful voiced their appreciation for the players and Nuno.
The South Bank traditionally rose as one in strong voice, with half of the stand having the new rail seating installed – the half nearest the Graham Hughes corner stand is still to be completed.
It was a cauldron of noise, enough to an unnerve any opposing team. But, credit to Crusaders – having beat B36 Torshavn of the Faroe Islands over two legs to face Wolves in this second qualifying round – they stood firm early on.
With 10 men behind the ball, they were doing a sound job of keeping Nuno’s charges at bay.
There were some groans for one or two misplaced Wolves passes, before chants of ‘Come on Wanderers’ rang around Molineux.
As the wait for a Wolves opener continued, the 284 travelling fans could be heard singing from the top of the North Bank.
They were silenced before half-time, though, as Diogo Jota broke the deadlock with a thunderous half-volley – met with a roar of elation and a fair amount of relief.
Raul Jimenez entered the fray just shy of the hour mark – despite having next to no summer break after winning the Gold Cup with Mexico – as a goal or two more were sought ahead of the return leg in Northern Ireland next Thursday.
Unfortunately, a bucketload of goals did not come, but Wolves spirits were not significantly dampened as they still had one to celebrate before the final whistle blew.
Sean O’Neill’s gaffe allowed substitute Ruben Vinagre to get on the scoresheet, poking home from a matter of yards out.
Nights like this make it easy to forget it was only six years ago the club was bracing itself for life in the third tier of English football on the back of successive relegations.
A bigger cushion to take to Seaview would have been ideal, but – based on the complete domination in terms of possession – you have to believe Wolves will make it through, and seal at least one more European night under the Molineux lights.
