Zrinjski's minimal defeat in Austria, Bilbija leaves the "Nobles" hope for advancement

(Patria) - Mostar's Zrinjski suffered a minimal defeat tonight in Austria and has realistic chances to secure a place in the group stage of the Europa League in the return match against LASK.

Already in the fourth minute, captain Robert Žulj took advantage of a confused reaction from the "Nobles" defense and took the lead for the hosts at Raiffesen Arena with a precise ground shot.

Just eight minutes later, the same player doubled LASK's lead. It was a great shot from an angle from about 17 meters, which ended up in the bottom corner of the Mostar team's goal.

Zrinjski found the net of the Austrian team in the 26th minute, but Malekinušić's goal from a counterattack was disallowed due to an offside position.

The Mostar team had a great chance in the 38th minute, however, Ćuže hit the post.


The first half of the match in Linz ended with a score of 2:0.

There were not many concrete chances in the second half, but most importantly, the one that presented itself to Nemanja Bilbija in the 71st minute was utilized. Kiš crossed, the captain of the "Nobles" was in the right place and scored with a great reaction – 2:1.

That is exactly the result the match ended with. The return match is played in seven days in Mostar, the BiH champion has every reason for optimism based on what was shown tonight…

LASK – Zrinjski 2:1 (Žulj 4’ and 11’ – Bilbija 71’)

Raifeissen Arena. Main referee: Orel Grinfeeld (Israel). Yellow cards: Jovičić and Andrade (LASK).

LASK: Lawal, Ziereis, Andrade, Luckeneder, Flecker (Ba), Horvath (Ljubić), Jovičić (Talovierov), Renner, Žulj, Mustapha (Pintor), Usor (Goiginger).

ZRINJSKI: Marić, Tičinović (Memija), Batarelo, Senić, Ćorluka, Čanađija, Ivančić (Kiš), Ramić (Stanić), Malekinušić (Sabljić), Ćuže (Jukić), Bilbija.