Defeat in the First Match: The Decision Falls in Ljubljana

In the first match of the second round of qualifications for the UEFA Conference League, we suffered a defeat to Bravo (0:1).

The Slovenian team celebrated in Mostar with a goal by Matic Ivanšek in the 16th minute. Although we did not achieve the desired result, the decision about who advances to the third round will be made in seven days in Ljubljana.

Zrinjski did not play at the desired level tonight; it was evident that the Nobles are still not in competitive rhythm. However, in the first half, they deserved more than being a goal down.

The first opportunity in the match was for Mario Ćuže, who made a great run down the left side in the 15th minute and hit the post from a promising position. Unfortunately, the visitors scored just a minute later when Ivanšek capitalized in front of Marko Marić to give the visiting team the lead.

Zrinjski responded through Ćuže, who had a good shot from about twenty meters out, and then Josip Ćorluka had a good chance after a corner.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Tomislav Kiš also had a great opportunity, but the Nobles’ number ten failed to equalize after a pass from Ćorluka.

Although we started the second half better than the first, the initial pressure did not last long.

The visitors focused solely on preserving their lead and rarely ventured into Zrinjski’s half. Despite having much greater possession, Mario Ivanković’s team could not create many dangerous situations in front of the Slovenian goal in the second half.

The return match is scheduled for August 1 at 17:00.

16′ |  0:1 – Ivanšek

HŠK Zrinjski: Marić, Ćorluka, Baršić, Šunjić, Tičinović (76. Memija), Ivančić, Kiš (83. Sabljić), Savić (76. Ramić), Ćuže, Malekinušić (63. Abdurahimi), Mulahusejnović (63. Posavec).

NK Bravo: Orbanić, Španring, Jakšić, Miguel Rodrigues, Jovan, Ivanšek, Trdin, Štravs (67. Selan), Stanković (78. Hribar), Pečar (89. Šabotić), Tučić.