History created: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu becomes 1st Indian to play in Europa League

Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who plays for Norwegian side Stabaek FC made the country proud as he started in goal for Stabaek in the first round Europa League qualification game against Connah’s Quay FC on Thursday.

The custodian thus became the first Indian to feature in a premier European club competition. However, he injured his hand in the 30th minute of the match and was substituted by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Sayouba Mande.

The encounter held in the small Welsh Town of Connah’s Quay ended in a stalemate with both sides failing to break the deadlock in the stipulated time. The return leg will be played in Stabaek's home ground.

Here it is.......Indian football history: @Stabaek UEFA @EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/7VAxkWJMig

— Joe Morrison (@joefooty) June 30, 2016

Sandhu, who earlier plied his trade for Indian giants East Bengal had already created a record last month when he became the first Indian to appear in a top flight European League game while playing for Stabaek in Norwegian Tippiligaen (Norway's national league).

The lanky keeper had moved to the Norway in 2014 but it was January 2015 that he got his first break in a club friendly against Follo. This season has been different as his excellent skills underneath the sticks have helped him to gather more first team appearances. He kept a clean sheet against Start in his first league game. 

Stabaek finished third last season but are currently struggling in the relegation zone.