Another game, another message to Matjaž Kek: Josip Iličić shined at Ljudski vrt, as Maribor defeated Koper with his two goals
Photo: Žan Pak
A decade and a half ago, Aleksandar Radosavljević experienced the peak of his football career at Ljudski vrt. Now, many years later, he received a new coaching blow beneath the Kalvarija. Koper continues with a series of dismal performances, the Primorci suffered another defeat, this time against Maribor. The Purples were led to victory by Josip Iličić, who is in exceptional form in 2024. The veteran sent another resounding message to coach Matjaž Kek, this time with two goals: one from the penalty spot and the other from close range.
Photo: Žan PakMaribor took the lead in the 37th minute when Josip Iličić converted from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded after Karlo Bručić handled the ball inside his own penalty area. Maribor won the penalty, which Iličić duly converted. Koper equalized in the 53rd minute when Jan Repas awkwardly played the ball back towards his own goalkeeper and struck Wisdom Sulej in the back. The Koper forward then advanced towards the Maribor goal and scored. In the 69th minute, Maribor regained the lead as Josip Iličić struck again. It was a masterful finish, albeit aided by hesitant defending from the Koper players. Josip Iličić maneuvered through the opposition’s penalty area, attracting three defenders, before unleashing a powerful shot that beat Jan Koprivec once again.
Photo: Žan PakMaribor confirmed the victory just three minutes after Iličić’s second goal, with Maks Barišić celebrating his debut goal for the Purples. Fate had it that he scored his first goal against Koper, his former club, where he played before moving to the Styrian capital. After a shot from Hillal Soudani, Koprivec managed to make a save, but he was powerless to stop Barišić from slotting home the rebound. Jan Koprivec was the main reason why Maribor did not celebrate even more goals at the end of the match, but overall, Maribor’s victory could hardly have been more deserved…
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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