Borac Banja Luka delivered an impressive performance to defeat Finnish side KuPS 2–0 in the second round of the UEFA Conference League, securing their first points of the competition in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Banja Luka City Stadium.
After suffering a 2–1 away defeat against Greek club Panathinaikos in their opening match seven days earlier, Vinko Marinović’s team responded with a convincing victory over the Finnish visitors.
The Red and Blues controlled important stages of the encounter, scoring once in each half to claim all three points.
Savić gives Borac the lead in the first half
Borac broke the deadlock in the 29th minute following a free kick from approximately 20 meters.
Savić struck the ball toward goal, and his effort took a deflection off a KuPS player before finding the back of the net.
The goal gave the home side a deserved 1–0 advantage and delighted the supporters at Banja Luka City Stadium.
Neither team managed to score again before the break, allowing Borac to enter halftime with a narrow lead.
Dekić doubles the advantage after brilliant attacking move
Borac extended their lead just five minutes into the second half.
In the 50th minute, Juričić produced an excellent move in midfield, escaping his marker before delivering a perfectly timed pass to Dekić.
The Borac attacker showed composure inside the attacking area, beating his defender and the visiting goalkeeper to make it 2–0.
The goal sparked celebrations among the home supporters and put Marinović’s side firmly in control of the match.
Woodwork denies Borac further goals
The remainder of the encounter featured several promising opportunities for both teams.
Borac came close to extending their advantage, hitting both the post and the crossbar.
KuPS also created several dangerous chances as the Finnish visitors attempted to find a way back into the match.
However, neither side managed to score again, and Borac held on to secure a 2–0 victory.
Borac travel to Sweden for next Conference League match
With their first victory of the Conference League campaign secured, Borac will now turn their attention to the third round.
The Banja Luka club will travel to Sweden to face Mjällby on November 5.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:45 p.m.
Following their convincing home performance against KuPS, Borac will look to build on the result and continue collecting points in European competition.
Source: RTRS
