First a guard of honor, then a slap in the face: Mariborians effortlessly secure victory in the Styrian derby, simultaneously defeating Damir Krznar’s team for the first time since their split
Photo: Žan Pak
Although the footballers of Celje have already become Slovenian national champions, they received a solid blow during their visit to the empty Ljudski Vrt after the initial guard of honor, as they were toyed with by the team of Maribor, who are still actively fighting for the final second place in the league standings, as it would slightly facilitate their path to qualification for the conference league next season.
The Purples took the lead as early as the 13th minute when a shot from Jan Repas rebounded to Sven Šoštarič Karič, who once again found the back of the net against the Celje side.
Fifteen minutes later, the evergreen Algerian forward Hilal Soudani ensured an increase in the lead with an unstoppable shot that beat Matko Obradović and set the halftime score.
In the second half, Damir Krznar sent in the rest of his first-choice players, but they failed to impact the final result, although they did somewhat stem the Maribor onslaught, but not completely. The hosts extended their lead to three goals in the 85th minute when Josip Iličić delivered a masterful assist to substitute Žan Karničnik, while also neatly setting up Maks Barišić. Celje’s defeat was softened three minutes later, after a lapse in concentration in the purple defense, by substitute Sunday Adetunji. This was only the first defeat for the Croatian coach against his former club.
The 34th round of the Prva Liga Telemach will conclude tomorrow with two matches. First, Radomlje will host a heated encounter with Rogaška at Kamniška Bistrica, followed by a clash between Olimpija and Mura in the capital.
Standings provided by Sofascore
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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1. SNL
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Maribor
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