A gutsy effort from the Nottingham Panthers will see them start next week's return leg two goals down to the ZSC Lions after tonight's encounter in Zurich.

The Lions heavily outshot their British opponents but were only a goal ahead through two periods – Samuel Guerra's blast at 8:56 fired past Michael Garnett. The Panthers grew into the game in the middle session but were unable to find a goal.

That was until just 52 seconds into the final period - Panthers on the attack, the puck getting blocked and then Brett Perlini firing into the net as Lukas Flueler was on the floor and out of position. The Lions regained the lead five minutes later, with Roman Wick's wraparound attempt going through the five-hole to make it 2-1. With the clock ticking down, the Lions moved further ahead as Fredrik Pettersson patiently slotted home to make it 3-1. A late 5-on-3 chance gave the Panthers the possibility of getting back into the game, but no goals came and they'll start the home leg two behind.