Borac Banja Luka secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Moldova’s Petrocub in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of next week’s return fixture.
Despite heavy rain throughout the match, around 7,000 supporters filled the stands at the City Stadium in Banja Luka to cheer on the home side.
Borac dominated the opening half and took the lead in the 20th minute through the lively Damir Hrelja, who finished after an assist from Karolina. The hosts continued to press for a second goal, testing the visitors with several long-range efforts, but went into the break with a narrow 1–0 advantage.
The pattern of play remained unchanged after halftime, with Borac controlling possession and creating the better chances. Their pressure paid off in the 65th minute, when Nikola Juričić headed home to double the lead. Moments earlier, the same player had struck the crossbar with a powerful effort from 30 metres.
Borac added a third goal late in the match through substitute Ante Roguljić, who found the net shortly after coming on to seal an emphatic victory.
The return leg will be played on July 30 in Moldova. The winner of the tie will face either Vitebsk of Belarus or Sutjeska Nikšić of Montenegro in the next qualifying round. Vitebsk holds a strong advantage after winning the first leg of that tie 3–0.
Source: RTRS
