Valter Birsa’s goal was cancelled out by a penalty, but Leeds United saw Kalvin Phillips sent off during their friendly with Cagliari.
The match was played at the Sardegna Arena this evening and it was a strong start for the hosts, as Leonardo Pavoletti knocked down a cross for Joao Pedro’s flick and Birsa finished off the well-worked team move.
Marko Rog had his first start in a Cagliari jersey following the transfer from Napoli and impressed the fans, as he set up Birsa for a saved shot, then had penalty appeals waved away as he went down under a Gaetano Berardi tackle.
Straight after the restart, Leeds got a penalty for Filip Bradaric bundling into the back of Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez converted to equalise.
Cagliari continued to push, Alberto Cerri nodding wide and a save on Christian Oliva, but Alessio Cragno was also alert on Jack Clarke.
Phillips ruined the friendly atmosphere with a two-footed challenge on Simone Pinna, which saw the referee take out a straight red card in the final minutes.
Championship side Leeds held out under pressure for a 1-1 result.
Cagliari 1-1 Leeds United
Birsa 14 (C), Hernandez pen 49 (L)
Cagliari: Cragno, Mattiello, Ceppitelli, Klavan, Lykogiannis, Rog, Oliva, Ionita, Birsa, Joao Pedro, Pavoletti
Image credit: @CagliariCalcio Twitter
