Borac’s footballers, carrying a sense of quiet optimism but also significant caution, departed for Ljubljana after yesterday morning’s training session. They are set to face Olimpija in the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 32 on Thursday at 18:45.
The 1-0 advantage from the first leg gives them a slight edge, but the team refuses to adopt that mindset.
Macedonian international Boban Nikolov, who unexpectedly started the first match due to captain Srđan Grahovac’s injury during warm-up, emphasized that the team must remain focused. Grahovac, along with Luka Zorić, will miss the rematch due to injuries, as well as long-term absentees Damir Hrelja and Amer Hiroš.
“What we are doing as a club right now is perhaps the best in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not just in the history of Borac. The only thing I can promise is that we will give 200% of ourselves. It all depends on how we perform. If we play at our best, we can achieve great things. We missed a penalty in the first leg, but we didn’t give up and still managed to score. Yes, we have injuries, but we cannot complain. This city and its people deserve our maximum effort. As for us, we are going there to progress. I believe the chances are still 50:50, despite the first-leg result. We will let them take the role of favorites again,” Nikolov stated.
The experienced midfielder also highlighted the crucial role of team spirit, which has been a defining characteristic of Borac this season.
“We must be fully focused in Ljubljana. We will be even more aggressive than in Banja Luka because we are hungry for success. Tomorrow, we will show that we should not be underestimated and that they are not better than us. In the end, it’s 11 against 11, and in those moments, team spirit is what makes the difference. That unity has brought us to this stage, and it will be the key to our success,” Nikolov concluded.
Vuković confident ahead of decisive clash
Young midfielder David Vuković, who came on in the 23rd minute of the first match to replace the injured Luka Zorić, is expected to start in Ljubljana.
“We showed in the first leg that we are not here by accident. We have a lead, but the second half of this contest is yet to be played, and that will decide everything. On paper, we may have better odds than Olimpija now, but we must prove it on the field. I expect a tight battle until the very end, and hopefully, we will emerge victorious,” said Vuković.
Lithuanian referee to officiate the match
UEFA has appointed Manfredas Lukjančukas from Lithuania as the referee for the second-leg encounter between Olimpija and Borac at the Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana. His compatriots Mangirdas Mirauskas and Vitenis Kazlauskas will assist him, while the fourth official will be Mindaugas Jackus. The VAR officials will also be Lithuanian, with Donatas Šimenas and Orestas Abramavičius overseeing the video review.
Source: Glas Srpske
