(foto: Aljoša Cankar)
Olimpija and Maribor battled to a 0-0 draw in a derby dominated by fouls and cards. Ten-man Olimpija held out as both teams saw red cards in a tense affair.
The second eternal derby of the season between Olimpija and Maribor took place today in Stožice, but it was more a battle of fouls and pyrotechnics than flowing football. Both teams struggled to create chances in a match filled with tactical fouls, physicality, and even red cards.
The first half was largely a defensive affair, with few clear chances. It wasn’t until the 42nd minute that Raul Florucz managed to get a shot on target, though Maribor’s goalkeeper Ažbe Jug saved comfortably.
The game truly came alive in the second half, particularly in the 64th minute when Jordi Govea was sent off, reducing Olimpija to ten men. The former Real Madrid player struck a Maribor opponent in the head while attempting an acrobatic shot, earning himself a second yellow card from referee Antić.
With the numerical advantage, Maribor pushed forward, bringing on attackers Borys and Soudani, while Tetteh had already been subbed in earlier. In the 80th minute, Maribor finally tested Vidovšek, but the Olimpija goalkeeper denied Soudani. Just minutes later, Vidovšek made another crucial save as Soudani attempted to break the deadlock.
However, in a twist of fate, Josip Iličić was also sent off for Maribor in the closing stages after elbowing an Olimpija player. This left both teams with ten men and intensified the defensive struggle on the field.
The match was further delayed by pyrotechnics set off by the fans, leading to additional stoppage time. Despite the prolonged play, neither team managed to score, and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Olimpija will likely be more satisfied with the point, having withstood Maribor’s attacks for much of the match with a man down.
In the next round of fixtures, Olimpija will face Mura at Fazanerija, while Maribor will travel to Ajdovščina to take on Primorje.