Utrecht too strong for Zrinjski in Mostar

(Patria) - Dutch side Utrecht defeated Zrinjski in Mostar 2-0 in the first leg of the Europa League play-off this evening, thus gaining a significant advantage ahead of the return match.



The first 15 minutes were controlled by Utrecht, with Zrinjski sitting in a low block and closing off all approaches to Karačić, reports Faktor.

In the 30th minute, Dujmović fired a great shot, but visiting goalkeeper Barkas made a desperate save to keep his net intact.

Five minutes later, during a period of Zrinjski dominance, a penalty was awarded to the visitors after intervention from the VAR room.



Following a low cross from the visitors, Mamić handled the ball while falling. The referee initially did not see it, and Bilbija even had a chance at the other end, but the penalty was eventually given.

Min placed the ball on the spot, Karačić guessed the right side, but the shot was powerful enough to find the net.

Zrinjski had a chance to equalise before the break, but Mikić's shot was saved by Barkas.



The Mostar side started the second half better. It took them just three minutes to threaten. In the 48th minute, Utrecht's ally was the crossbar after Bilbija's header from a corner.

At the other end, Karačić brilliantly saved with his foot to deny Jensen in the 53rd minute.



Heavy rain was falling in Mostar, making the pitch increasingly difficult to play on, but Zrinjski pushed with all their might for an equaliser.

In the midst of Zrinjski's attacks, a counter-attack by the visitors in the 85th minute was converted into a goal by Jensen.

In the very next attack, Zrinjski could have scored through Mikić, but his shot was blocked and went just wide of the post.



In stoppage time, Mamić received a second yellow card and will miss the return match in seven days.