Europa League: Zrinjski eliminates Olimpija in Ljubljana

(Patria) - Zrinjski football players have qualified for the 3rd round of Europa League qualifiers after defeating Olimpija in Ljubljana tonight after extra time 2:3. In regular 90 minutes it was 2:2, and Mostarci will play against APOEL in Cyprus in the next qualifying round.

The start of the match was marked by probing for weaknesses and without major chances, but it was evident from the start that the team from Mostar could compete with the Slovenian team.

However, Olimpija took the lead in the 19th minute. Caimacov crossed from the right, and Ivanović jumped phenomenally and headed the ball in while falling for a 1:0 lead.

Five minutes later, Todorović scored a goal, but it was rightly disallowed because Barbarić was offside and obstructing the home goalkeeper.

By the end of the first half, the BiH representative had taken several corners but failed to score.

Finally, the Mostar team crowned a period of better play with a deserved goal at the start of the second half. In the 51st minute, Filipović took a great corner, and Bilbija reacted brilliantly at the near post and headed the ball in for a 1:1 draw.

In the very next attack, Ivančić had a very good chance, but his shot was stopped by Frelih.

After that, Zrinjski unexpectedly retreated. The hosts increased the pressure, and in the 81st minute, they achieved a turnaround. Fink crossed brilliantly from the right, and Vombergar headed the ball in perfectly for a 2:1 lead.

Just when it seemed all was lost, in the 84th minute, Lyaskov slipped, Filipović took the ball and passed to the unmarked Bilbija, who easily scored for 2:2.

In the 85th minute, after a cross from Filipović, Samardžić handled the ball with an outstretched arm, but a clear penalty for Zrinjski was not awarded. After Enin's mistake, Olimpija had a great chance through Ivanović in the 90th minute, but Brkić made a phenomenal save, and the match went into extra time.

The first half of extra time started brilliantly for Zrinjski. In the 92nd minute, Filipović crossed from a free kick, and Ivančić reacted excellently and scored for 2:3. It was Filipović's third assist of the match.

In the very next action, Brkić saved a great attempt by Vukušić. The Zrinjski goalkeeper saved his team again in the 105th minute when he stopped Elšnik's shot.

In the second period of extra time, the BiH representative managed to withstand all the attacks from the Slovenians and advanced. In the next round, in seven days, they will play against APOEL in Cyprus.