(foto: Getty Images)
Olimpija showed promise in the second half, only to have their efforts overshadowed by a referee decision that left many scratching their heads.
Olimpija Ljubljana faced a tough challenge in their UEFA Conference League clash against Heidenheim tonight. The Bundesliga side struck first in the 6th minute through a well-worked move, finished by Adrian Beck for the early 1-0 lead. Despite a few threatening free-kicks from Raul Florucz, Olimpija struggled to keep pace in the opening half.
However, as the first half drew to a close, Olimpija began to find their footing, creating a few promising chances. Unfortunately, they were unable to level the score before halftime. Adding to their woes, Yassine Boultam was forced off due to injury and replaced by Alex Blanco.
Controversy arose in the first half when Olimpija felt they were denied a clear penalty after a questionable challenge in Heidenheim’s box, yet neither the referee nor VAR intervened. In the second half, Olimpija upped the tempo, creating several chances, and eventually, in the 77th minute, Alex Blanco found the back of the net with a header to make it 1-1 after a fantastic assist from Mario Brest.
Their joy was short-lived, as Heidenheim quickly regained the lead just three minutes later. The referee awarded a highly debatable penalty for an alleged handball by Timi Max Elšnik, which goalkeeper Matevž Vidovšek initially saved, only for Paul Wanner to score on the rebound to make it 2-1.
In the 85th minute, Olimpija appealed for another penalty in a much clearer incident than the previous one, but despite VAR intervention, the referee waved play on. Despite six minutes of added time, Olimpija couldn't find the equalizer, and Heidenheim secured the 2-1 victory.
UEFA Conference League, group stage: HEIDENHEIM 2-1 OLIMPIJA
6' Beck, 83' Wanner (penalty); 77' Blanco
Olimpija lineup:
Vidovšek, Sualehe (88' Govea), Ristić, Ratnik, Silva, Thalisson (46' Agba), Doffo, Raul (74' Brest), Boultam (25' Blanco), Kojić (46' Muhamedbegović), Pedro Lucas
Coach: Victor Sanchez
Heidenheim lineup:
Müller, Traore, Manika, Siersleben, Theuerkauf, Maloney, Conteh (77' Kerber), Beck (62' Wanner), Dorsch (62' Schoppner), Scienzua, Breunig (62' Pieringer)
Coach: Frank Schmidt