A game where points count triple, not double: Domžale, beaten in all respects, save their season against only slightly better Nafta
Text: David Klemenc. Photo: Blaž Weindorfer / Sportida
It is unlikely that football fans in our country will follow one of the most intense battles for survival in the top tier in the 2024/25 season. However, what is interesting is that what was still a four-way battle just a month ago has at least temporarily changed into a two-way battle, as both Radomlje and Primorje have now moved to a safe distance of 11 points from the last place that leads to 2. SNL.
In light of this, it is pointless to waste words about how important tonight’s match is in what was once the richest Slovenian municipality, now home to one of the most financially troubled football clubs in the country. Domžale‘s hefty debts are pushing them deeper and deeper into a financial abyss, and the results reflect that. The Yellow family has only won once so far, and now faces one of the key moments of truth: a match against Nafta, who have just two more points in the standings.
Vučkić: “Domžale are aware of the importance of the match”
The match at Kamniška Bistrica will be a final before the final for both teams. Both sides are aware of the importance of the match, and with only two points separating them in the standings, this game will turn into a gladiatorial duel due to the high stakes. A win would lift Domžale off the bottom of the standings for the first time this year, while the opposite scenario would give Nafta, who have had a lot of bad luck this season, a five-point lead.
But it’s not just about the three points, but also a significant boost to morale, as highlighted by our guests this time. Haris Vučkić, a product of Domžale and one of the biggest talents we’ve had, will be available to head coach Dejan Dončić after recovering from injury.
“We are aware of the importance of Saturday’s match against Nafta. We have made good use of the week for intense training, and I believe that with the right approach, we can get a positive result. The look at the standings does not leave us indifferent, but we know that with unity and joint efforts, we can turn things in our favor. A win would mean a lot to us, so we will leave everything on the field,” Haris Vučkić told Planet nogomet.
Pirtovšek: “The season is still long, but…”
In the Lendava camp, thoughts ahead of the match were gathered by Rok Pirtovšek, who after leaving Rogaška in the summer also spoke with Domžale, but eventually chose a return to Prekmurje. “We have an extremely important match ahead. The season is still long, but both we and Domžale need points. In these matches, we can say that points count double – either you can pull away from your opponent or give them an additional boost. Regardless of their position in the standings, we know Domžale have a quality team with some experienced players. It’s up to us to show our qualities and true face. We must be responsible and fully focused throughout the match and do everything on the field to return to Lendava with new points,” emphasized Rok Pirtovšek.
Both teams are at the bottom of the standings in terms of both defense and attack, but there is no doubt that the match will be exciting. Let us remind you that the first head-to-head match ended with a record number of goals (tied with the Koper – Primorje game 3:4), which went to the home side with a 5:2 victory, despite Domžale leading 2:0. In that match, Nafta scored as many as half of their goals for the season (10).
Additionally, the Lendavčani are the worst away team, having only picked up a point from their trip to Primorje, while Domžale are the worst home team, with two draws and five losses from seven home matches. Neither coach will be satisfied with a draw this time… The derby of clubs at the bottom of the standings will kick off on Saturday at 17:30, with referee David Šmajc from Gorenjska.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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