Nino Kukovec scares Maribor, but Bistrica can’t hold on despite the lead: the Violistas are the first finalists of the Pivovarna Union Cup
The opening match of the semi-finals is played in Slovenski Bistrica
of the Pivovarna Union Cup
. In a great atmosphere, Bistrica, who play in the 2nd SNL, took the lead after Nino Kukovec scored, but
Maribor
still justified their role as favourites, responded with three goals and clinched a place in the grand final with a 3:1 victory. His opponent will be announced tomorrow, when Olimpija and Aluminij will play in Stožice.
As many as 2000 spectators witnessed a lively, varied and at times even dramatic match, which also smacked of surprise. But that’s as far as it went. Maribor found itself behind, but not burnt. The difference in quality, however, tipped the scales in favour of the guests from the capital of Styria. They have secured their first appearance in a Cup Final since 2019.
BISTRICA: Fridrih, Rozman (83′ Korošec), Vidmar, Zajšek, Kulliš (54′ Bračko), Pesjak (54′ Janežič), Havelka, Maher, Pesjak, Kapun (62′ Ciganović), Martinčič (83′ Ferčič), Kukovec. Coach: Goran Stanković.
MARIBOR: Jug, Milec (87′ Žinič), Watson, Šoštarič Karič, Guerrico, Antolin, Repas (78′ Božičković), Božić (66′ Laušić), Tolić, Brnić (78′ Jakupović), Vipotnik (78′ Sirk). Coach: Damir Krznar.
The hosts were beaten by 46. Nino Kukovec, a former Maribor player, took the lead in the first minute after a cross from the right side, scoring with a shot along the left post. Kukovec scored at the end of the first half, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Marko Tolić was also offside moments later and his goal was disallowed. But the Croat also scored quickly in the second half, three minutes after the home striker had scored. Tolić sends the ball under the crossbar from 20 metres.
Six minutes later, Ivan Brnić crossed the ball from the left wing, with Žan Vipotnik on the other post, but just in front of the Maribor striker, the ball was sent into his own net by Filip Janežič, who – interestingly – had come into the game just before. Maribor sealed the victory in 72. Aljaž Antolin scored in the first minute of the second half with a shot inside the penalty area. Maribor “survived”, but Bistrica showed a combative and relentless performance. But, as I said, there is still a big difference between the two clubs…
- Semi-finals of the Pivovarna Union Cup:
BISTRICA – MARIBOR 1:3
Kukovec (46); Tolic (49), Janezic (55, own goal), Antolin (72)
OLYMPIA – ALUMINIUM (Thursday at 17.30)
The Grand Final will take place on 6. May, at the Z’dežele Stadium in Celje.
This text was automatically translated using AI.
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