Maribor celebrates the veteran: Josip Iličić and Hillal Soudani scored for the victory over Vojvodina, the Algerian delighted the purples with a goal in the 97th minute

Published on 8. August 2024 8. August 2024

Photo: Žan Pak

Maribor led 1-0 against Vojvodina, had an extra player, but still conceded a goal, yet ultimately… won! The match ended 2-1 in favor of the home team, with goals scored by veterans Josip Iličić and Hillal Soudani. Iličić missed a penalty but was first to the rebound and scored on his second attempt. Algerian Soudani stepped up when it seemed like the game would end 1-1, scoring the winner in the 97th minute of a thrilling match.

On the third European evening at Ljudski vrt, Acun Ilicali, the Turkish businessman, brightened up the occasion, enjoying a vibrant football display in front of a full house of 6850 spectators in the shrine of Styrian football.

The guests had the first chance in the 7th minute when a shot from visiting captain Njegoš Petrović sailed over the bar of Ažbet Jug. Maribor’s first attempt fell to Maks Barišić, who aimed at the arms of Lazar Carević. Barišić had an excellent opportunity in the 12th minute but was not decisive enough. Then Marko Božić had a header attempt, but the Maribor winger received the pass far from an ideal shooting position.

Serbian players tried twice from distance, but both shots missed the target. Five minutes before halftime, Josip Iličić tested the goalkeeper from the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball wide of the right post. Just before the break, Božić made a characteristic run down the left, shooting upon entering the penalty area, but the visiting goalkeeper was ready for his shot.

At the start of the second half, Iličić threatened the guests from Novi Sad with a free kick that unfortunately missed the target. The turbulent 57th minute followed, with Lana Vidmar making a massive error in a one-on-one situation, but Jug saved the day. Moments later, Božić won a penalty, which Josip Iličić missed, but then managed to score just seconds later to put Maribor ahead.

In the 66th minute, the ball hit the woodwork, as Petrović’s equalizing attempt was thwarted by the crossbar. Three minutes later, Maribor had a new advantage after a foul by Slobodan Medojević, giving them an extra player on the field. Shortly after, Iličić lifted the home crowd with a shot from the edge of the penalty area, but it was slightly too high. Everything seemed too idyllic until the 77th minute when visiting winger Caleb Zady quickly punished Maribor’s defensive confusion.

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The rest of the match saw the visitors delay play, followed by a home response, specifically from Hillal Soudani, as the crowd under the Pyramid continued to cheer even after the final whistle. The return leg will be next week in Bačka Topola at 8:00 PM.

This text was automatically translated using AI.

Author: editorial Football Planet