Željo squanders victory against Neftci in stoppage time at packed Grbavica

(Patria) - Željezničar footballers drew 2:2 tonight at a packed Grbavica against Azerbaijan's Neftci Baku in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Conference League.

The Blues played a very combative, high-energy match, and Nermin Bašić once again showed what a strategist he is. However, goals by Haračić and Amoah were not enough for Željo to celebrate.

The draw for Neftci was secured by Hajiyev with a spectacular goal in the 95th minute. Thus, the decision on who advances to the third qualifying round will be made in Baku, where the return leg is played next Thursday.

Photo: Patria

Neftci looked much better in the opening minutes, attacking dangerously several times down the left side and through the middle, but a cold shower awaited the guests.

In the 13th minute, Mekić masterfully broke down the left side and delivered a wonderful cross to the far post, where Haračić headed the ball into the net for 1-0, sparking an eruption at Grbavica, reports SCsport.ba.

In the 31st minute, Mekić shot from 20 meters, but it was blocked.

Towards the end of the first half, Bašić was forced to pull Jašarević off the field, whose appearance had been questionable, and replaced him with Ovčina.

Neftci equalised with a fair amount of luck in the 42nd minute. A Željo defender poorly played the ball, trying to send it for a goal kick. A visiting player stole it, passed to Lebon who shot, and Kosorić deflected the ball into the net.

Ozobić had a great chance in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but the ball went wide of Mulalić's goal.

The excitement in the first half was not over. Due to numerous stoppages, added time was long, and in the tenth minute of it, Amoah scored after brilliant dribbling, restoring Željo's lead.


Photo: Patria

Goalkeeper Mulalić made an incredible blunder at the start of the second half. He was in goal when his teammates started from the centre circle and passed the ball back to him, and then he caught it in his hands at the last moment, resulting in an indirect free kick for Neftci seven meters from goal.

Željo's goalkeeper then redeemed himself with an incredibly selfless intervention, rushing out brilliantly and getting hit in the head by the ball. He lost consciousness but continued the match after receiving medical attention.

Photo: Patria

A great chance opened up for Neftci in the 58th minute, but Ovčina saved his goal with an excellent reaction. Lebon was one-on-one with Mulalić in the 60th minute, but the Blues' goalkeeper made another superb save.

Ozobić entered the box alone from the left side in the 72nd minute, but Mulalić once again intervened fantastically and caught the ball.

In the 95th minute, Neftci took a corner, Mulalić punched the ball away, and Hajiyev met it on the volley from 18 meters, spectacularly scoring for the final 2-2.