Even a stomach virus couldn't stop them: Velež defeated Široki Brijeg

(Patria) - In the third round match of the WWIN League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Velež visited Široki Brijeg at Pecara, securing a 2:0 victory.

The Mostar team had issues with a stomach virus and requested a postponement of the match, but ultimately took to the field at Pecara in their strongest lineup, definitely surprising Široki Brijeg. They took a 1:0 lead as early as the ninth minute, and in the second half, another goal paved the way for their first triumph.

At Velež's training session before the match against Široki, only nine first-team players were present, which sufficiently shows the impact the virus had on the team's locker room, yet none of this affected their performance at Pecara.

The Rođeni took the lead thanks to home player Bagarić, who unfortunately sent the ball into his own net after a cross from Oreč from the right side. After the goal, Široki dominated the field for a period, but Velež quickly regained their composure and threatened.

Lauš crossed, Milak didn't reach the ball, and shortly after, in the 24th minute, Lauš hit the post with a shot from 16 meters. Tomić was helpless but breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the ball bounce back onto the field instead of into the net. Prusina then tried from 30 meters in the 28th minute, straight at Velež's goalkeeper, and in the 33rd minute, Kpan's shot was saved by the excellent Hadžikić.

A good start for Mostar in the second half, Mlinarić had a chance in the 51st minute but headed wide, and then in the 54th minute, they made it 2:0. Lohan shot after a good move, Tomić saved, but Mlinarić was on the spot and scored to seal Velež's victory. VAR briefly held up the Rođeni, but they soon realized everything was clean and could start celebrating.

Kožulj had two attempts, but there was neither enough strength nor precision to beat Hadžikić, while Savić missed another chance for Mostar.

Široki Brijeg attacked fruitlessly until the end but lacked the strength to score even a consolation goal, thus suffering their first defeat, having previously beaten Željezničar at Grbavica and drawn with Radnik in Bijeljina in the first two rounds. All in all, a deserved triumph for the team from Mostar.

This was Velež's second match in the new WWIN League season and their first win. Previously, they were defeated at home by Željezničar, and next weekend they will visit Radnik in Bijeljina. It seems that the shocking elimination by Andorran side Inter in the first qualifying round of the Conference League and the early coaching change have not left a significant mark on Velež's players and their game.

The third round continues tonight with the match Borac - Sloboda, and tomorrow we will watch the match between Sarajevo and GOŠK, while the clash Zrinjski - Radnik has been canceled due to Zrinjski's European commitments.

(sportsport.ba)