Zrinjski eliminated from Europa League, continues competition in Conference League

(Patria) - Zrinjski ultimately failed to make up the deficit from the first leg of the Europa League play-off.

Austrian LASK secured a draw in Mostar tonight, which, along with their first-leg victory (2:1), was enough for them to qualify for the group stage of the Europa League.

The "Plemići" (Nobles), however, have the consolation of more international matches awaiting them this season, and they will play in the group stage of the Conference League for the first time in their history.

The team from Mostar started the match on their home turf aggressively, and had their first chance in the seventh minute after a cross from Tičinović. Bilbija had an opportunity, but was inaccurate with his header.

The visitors freed themselves from the pressure a bit later, and Flecker had an excellent chance in the 18th minute, but missed the ball from five meters from Zrinjski's goal.

Renner then shot sharply from a free kick, and the home team's goalkeeper Marić saved the ball.

Then, on the other side, Ćuže threatened from the edge of the penalty area in the 31st minute, but the ball went just wide of the Austrian goal.

Ćuže was in the spotlight five minutes later. The Zrinjski forward was brought down in the penalty area by the visiting goalkeeper Lawal, and referee Tiago Martins immediately pointed to the penalty spot.

Nemanja Bilbija was a confident penalty taker, bringing euphoria to the stadium Pod Bijelim brijegom.

The first 45 minutes concluded with that score.

At the very start of the second half, Ćuže had another great chance, but lost the ball while trying to dribble past goalkeeper Lawal.

The penalty came in the 52nd minute. Branko Jovičić shot from about twenty meters, and the ball bounced off the post into Zrinjski's goal.

Bilbija then missed a huge chance in the 66th minute to give Zrinjski the lead again. Tičinović broke through brilliantly on the flank and sent a sharp pass into the six-yard box, but the captain of the "Plemići" missed the ball.

Havel shot cunningly from an angle in the 73rd minute, Marić reacted excellently and saved his net.

The match thus ended with a 1:1 draw, to the delight of the visitors from Austria, writes SCsport.