Bilbija brace secures Zrinjski's triumph in San Marino

(Patria) - Footballers of Mostar's Zrinjski celebrated tonight in the first match of the first qualifying round of the Champions League away against the champion of San Marino - Virtus team with a score of 2:0.

Zrinjski dominated the field from the very beginning of the match, but lacked finishing in front of Virtus' goal.

The first big chance for Zrinjski occurred in the third minute - Pranjić crossed, but Bilbija was a little late for the ball.

Savić's shot in the seventh minute went wide of Virtus' goal, and a minute later Pranjić's shot was blocked, writes Sportsport.ba.

Kiša's masterful shot in the 17th minute hit the crossbar of the home team's goal.

Virtus' first approach to Zrinjski's goal was recorded in the 26th minute. It was dangerous, but Buonocunto's shot was blocked at the last moment.

Memija tried in the 36th minute, but goalkeeper Passaniti stopped the ball without any problems.

And just when it seemed that the break would be at 0:0, a penalty was awarded to Zrinjski in the 45th minute.

Burey was fouled in the penalty area after a breakthrough. Bilbija took the ball and confidently scored to give the BiH champions the lead, ending the first half.



In the second half, Zrinjski again had possession, and in the 54th minute, a good chance for the BiH champions. Mamić crossed excellently, but Kiš missed the ball completely.

Passaniti made an excellent save in the 63rd minute on Pranjić's attempt. A minute later, a great chance for Bilbija, but his shot was blocked by the Virtus defense.

A great opportunity for Majić in the 78th minute, he brilliantly beat his marker, shot even better, but goalkeeper Passaniti made a superb save.

A minute later, a corner for the visitors, Ivančić crossed, and Bilbija scored his second goal to give Zrinjski a 2:0 lead.

There were no changes to the score until the end of the match, and Zrinjski carries a good advantage to the second leg in Mostar next Tuesday.

Considering the difference in quality, the BiH champions can already start thinking about the duel against Slovan in the second qualifying round.