Velež wins derby against Zrinjski after more than three years

(Patria) - The Mostar derby was played tonight at the Rođeni stadium as part of the 14th round of the BiH Premier League, and Velež celebrated a 3-0 victory against Zrinjski in a match marked by interruptions and unpleasant scenes.

After more than three years, Velež celebrated against its city rival, thus joining the fight for the top, as Rođeni now occupy fourth place with 25 points. Zrinjski's defeat, who remain third with 26 points, benefited the leader Borac (33), as well as second-placed Sarajevo (27).

It seems that the fight for the title will be very uncertain, just like for Europe itself, and with tonight's victory, the Reds from Mostar clearly showed that they have the quality and strength for the greatest achievements.

Velež players had the first chances in the match. Guliashvili was dangerous twice for Zrinjski's goal, but Marić came out as the winner.

We hardly saw a real chance in the first half hour, and then an interruption occurred. Ultras threw flares onto the field, then clashed with stewards, and then with the police. Referee Irfan Peljto had to react immediately and take the players to the dressing room.

There was a long wait for the continuation of the match, and upon returning to the field, there was another, albeit shorter, interruption, this time caused by the home fans who displayed an inappropriate banner.

After all these ugly events, we also saw the first goal of the match. In the 41st minute, Haskić scored from a cross by Vehabović, bringing joy to the home players and fans.

Several substitutions at halftime, even two were made by the visiting coach Krunoslav Rendulić, and at the start of the second half, Oruč's good shot was deflected into a corner by Zrinjski's goalkeeper Marić.

Haskić made a mistake in the 52nd minute, but Hadžikić followed everything well, clearing the ball in front of Kiš. In the 54th minute, Velež went up 2-0. Guliashvili brilliantly stole the ball about 40 meters from Zrinjski's goal and shot towards the goal like a bullet, routinely beating Marić from 10 meters.

Shortly after, Ćuže took advantage of Hrkač's mistake, shot well, but fortunately for the hosts, the ball went just wide of the post. Bilbija had a sudden chance in the 63rd minute, but Hadžikić reacted well, and then Bilbija was a bit late for a good cross from Kiš.

Bilbija was inaccurate in the 67th minute, and five minutes later, Peljto had to stop the game again. Due to fireworks and flares from Velež fans, the duel was interrupted for several minutes until the smoke cleared.

Zrinjski had very little time to get back into the match, but the current champions did not give up, while Velež tried to finish off their fierce rival through counter-attacks all the time.

Guliashvili was close to scoring in the 75th minute, but this time he shot just wide. And then a big mistake by the visiting player Senić, who was returning the ball to goalkeeper Marić, but Guliashvili got to the ball and scored his fourth goal of the season. In the very final moments of the match, Bradarić made a harsh tackle, going in with an open sole on a Velež player's leg, and received a direct red card.

This is certainly one of Velež's biggest victories over Zrinjski, so Rođeni will welcome the break in great spirits, and upon their return, they will visit Široki at Pecara, while Zrinjski will play a postponed match with Široki at home on the 22nd, and then on November 25th, they will visit GOŠK in Gabela. In addition, they will have a duel with AZ Alkmaar in Europe, which will complete this very difficult and demanding month for them.