On 21 September, one of the matches of the Football Conference League took place. Zrinjski (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and AZ (Netherlands) met.
Conference League
Zrinjski (Bosnia and Herzegovina) - AZ (Netherlands ) - 4:3 (0:3)
Goals: Zvonimir Kozhul (48), J. Korluka (68), Zvonimir Kozhul (81) - M. van Brederode (10), S. Mijnans (32), de Wit (44)
Warnings: Slobodan Jakovljevic (42), Zvonimir Kozhul (82), F. Bradaric (89), J. Clasie (89).
In an exciting football match in the UEFA Europa League Conference, Zrinjski and AZ Alkmaar clashed at the Bijeli Brieg Stadium. In an incredible turn of events, the match ended 4-3 in favour of Zrinjski, who were trailing 0-3 at half-time. At the beginning of the match, both teams showed their skill and determination on the pitch. Already in the 10th minute, AZ Alkmaar's M. van Brederode scored a magnificent goal to put his team ahead. This first goal started a tense confrontation between the two teams. As the match progressed, AZ Alkmaar continued to dominate, significantly increasing their advantage. In the 32nd minute S. Mijnans hit the opponent's goal, which infuriated the fans. In the 42nd minute, S. Jakovljevic, a Zrinjski player, received a yellow card, which showed the tension of the match. Just before the break, D. de Wit scored an important goal, giving AZ Alkmaar a huge 3-0 lead. The second half started with Zrinjski deciding to turn the tide of the match in their favour. In the 46th minute A. Balic was replaced by Z. Kozulya, which gave the team new energy and momentum. Two minutes later, Kozulya took advantage of the moment and scored a beautiful goal that lit up the hope of Zrinjski and their fans. In the 63rd minute Zrinjski coach decided to make one more substitution, releasing D. Kanadia instead of T. Kis.
These changes seemed to have an immediate impact, as in the 68th minute J. Korluka scored another goal, further reducing the gap in the score. Zrinjski's relentless endeavour bore fruit, and in the 71st minute A. Hrvanovic put the ball in the net, sending the fans into a state of euphoria. However, soon, in the 72nd minute, Hrvanović received a yellow card, indicating the tension of the match. With less than 10 minutes remaining, Zrinjski made two more substitutions in the hope of securing the win. In the 81st minute, A. Ivancic was substituted in place of F. Bradaric, and a few minutes later Z. Kozulya, Zrinski's top scorer, scored his second goal of the match. The situation changed in favour of AZ Alkmaar when in the 83rd minute C. Mijnans was replaced by K. Gudmain. In the 87th minute AZ Alkmaar made the last substitution - R. Bazoer replaced J. Goodmain. Bazoer replaced J. Odgaard. Towards the end of the match emotions flared up, as a result of which J. Clasie from AZ Alkmaar and F. Bradaric from Zrinjski received yellow cards in the 90th minute. Despite the fact that both teams fought valiantly, Zrinjski triumphed with a remarkable 4:3 victory. This exciting match showed the true spirit of football, with both teams showing incredible skill and determination. For Zrinski it was a great return match, proving that perseverance and team spirit can lead to amazing results. The fans had an unforgettable experience at the Bijeli Brijeg stadium, reminding everyone of the unpredictable and exciting nature of the beautiful game.
The following matches await the opponents in the next round: Aston Villa - Zrinjski, AZ - Legia.
| Zrinjski | AZ | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Kicks to the goal | 7 |
| 8 | Hits | 13 |
| 1 | Blocked shots | 1 |
| 5 | Penalty kicks | 7 |
| 3 | Kicks from outside the penalty area | 6 |
| 5 | Offences | 15 |
| 1 | Corner | 9 |
| 2 | Offsides | 1 |
| 28% | Ball possession | 72% |
| 4 | Yellow cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 4 | Keeper saves | 1 |
| 242 | Total assists | 611 |
| 164 | Accurate assists | 539 |
| 68% | Passing accuracy | 88% |