Zrinjski defeats Botev in Mostar, advances to Conference League play-off

(Patria) - Zrinjski played the return match against Botev in the Conference League qualifiers, with the final score being 2:0, and an aggregate of 3:2 for the Bosnian vice-champions.

The hosts entered the return match with a one-goal deficit, as the first leg in Bulgaria ended with Botev winning 2:1.

In Mostar, the visiting team's players started slightly better, having territorial initiative and two excellent chances in the opening 15 minutes, which the home goalkeeper Marić brilliantly saved, 'giving wind to the sails' of his teammates who played better afterwards. In the 20th minute, Mulahusejnović headed the ball, but the visiting goalkeeper Bernat distinguished himself with his save, then awkwardly reacted and conceded a penalty. Mlinar took responsibility, but his rather poor shot was saved by Bernat, and the score remained 0:0 until the end of the first half.

Before the end of the half, Mulahusejnović headed the ball into the net for the hosts' lead after a cross from substitute Memija, and a few minutes later, the visiting defender, Conte, received a direct red card.

The Irish referee's added time in the first half was six minutes, but it did not bring any change to the score, although the visitors had a chance to equalize after an excellently executed counter-attack, with goalkeeper Marić once again distinguishing himself with a superb save.

The 'Plemići' threatened from a set piece in the 52nd minute, when Mlinar shot well, but the visiting goalkeeper made a save. The continuation of the match brought two chances for the hosts, Tičinović and Malekinušić shot, but there was no change in the score.

The 'Plemići' attacks paid off in the 84th minute when Ćuže brilliantly set up Kiš, who finally hit the net of the visiting team.

Botev scored a goal in the first minute of first-half stoppage time, but an offside was signaled in the end, and the goal was disallowed.

Zrinjski thus celebrated with a 2:0 victory, or 3:2 on aggregate, and advanced to the Conference League play-off, where they will face Vitoria Guimarães.