Borac to victory over Olimpija with referee's help

(Patria) - Borac footballers defeated Olimpija in Banja Luka tonight with a score of 1-0 in a dramatic finish of the first match of the Conference League play-off, writes Faktor.

Borac coach Mladen Žižović had certain problems because captain Srđan Grahovac got injured during warm-up.

Instead of him, Boban Nikolov started the match from the first minute, while Luka Zorić got injured early in the game, and was replaced by David Vuković in the 23rd minute.

Almost nothing happened in the first half. Olimpija had more possession of the ball, Borac waited in a block, so chances were scarce.

Excitement in Banja Luka began at the start of the second half. In the 52nd minute, visiting player Florucz was sent off for hitting Caroline in the face.

Romanian referee Petrescu did not see it initially, but was called from the VAR room to review the footage, after which he changed his decision and showed the Olimpija player the way to the dressing room.

Borac created its first big chance in the 64th minute. Vuković crossed, Savić tried with a header, and the Olimpija goalkeeper prevented the goal with a save.

Just three minutes later, Olimpija could have taken the lead after a counter-attack, Tamm escaped the Borac defense, but Manojlović was an insurmountable obstacle.

In the 77th minute, Savić sent the ball with his head just wide of the post from four meters.

Ogrinec was fouled in the Olimpija penalty area in the 84th minute, and the referee awarded a penalty without hesitation. Despotović placed the ball on the penalty spot, but Vidovšek saved his shot and saved the Slovenians.

When it seemed that there would be no winner in the city on the Vrbas tonight, the Slovenian in the Borac jersey, Sandi Ogrinec, beat Vidovšek.

Borac leads 1:0 against Olimpija, the scorer is Sandi Ogrinec. pic.twitter.com/8aRlPKTmwA

— Mondo.ba Sport (@MondoBiHSport) February 13, 2025

Vuković crossed, someone managed to change the direction of the ball which went to the far post, where Ogrineac was and hammered the ball into the net.

The second leg will be played in a week in Ljubljana. The better team from this tie will qualify for the round of 16 of the Conference League.