The first match of the European spring qualifying campaign ended in a narrow defeat for the Dragons. Borac scored in extra time in front of 9.000 spectators, a few minutes before Matevž Vidovšek had already saved his sixth European penalty.

After the match in Banja Luka, where the green and whites were supported by almost 1.000 fans, Victor Sanchez said: “We have a match of two halftimes behind us. We started very well, we were dominant, we had chances, in the first half we were only missing a goal. During the break we talked about how to improve the details in the last third, to be even more dangerous in front of the opponent’s goal. Then what happened happened. Raul’s clear red card definitely influenced the rest of the game.”

“We talked about unnecessary cards, but we immediately offered the opponent the opportunity to establish more balance on the pitch with the player and start attacking. After the suspension, we fought as best we could. We defended in an organized manner and waited for the opportunity to counterattack. We could have scored, but in the end we conceded a goal in extra time. Despite everything, the match remains completely open. I am confident that in the return match in front of the home crowd we can turn everything around and advance to the next round.”

The decisive clash between NK Olimpija and FK Borac will be played in Stožice on Thursday, February 20th at 18:45, tickets are available at this link.