NK Osijek are dissapointed with themselves after falling victim to Rangers FC in the second round of Europa qualifying. Osijek traveled to Glasgow yesterday to play the second leg of the tie, entering the match with a 1-0 handicap.
the match was wide open with Osijek pushing had for a tying goal but were unable to break through the Scotch defense.
Rangers went up 1-0 in the match in the 53rd minute thanks to a goal from Nikola Katic, the 21-year-old Croatian national who spent two years at Slaven Belupo.
Osijek were able to find a goal in the 89th minute, but that only tied the match and left them down 2-1 on aggregate. Sources disagree regarding who to credit with the goal. Borna Barisic was the Osijek player behind the goal, but Conner Goldson was the last to touch the ball before deflecting the ball into the net.
Osijek coach Zoran Zekic caught criticism for his middle finger gesture given to cameras after the match. He later released a statement apologizing and stated, “I apologize for my inappropriate behavior, but you know me already. You know I’m emotional.” He stated he was too hot-headed and had time to cool down after the match.
Reports have also surfaced in Glasgow of two Osijek fans hospitalized after being stabbed during clashes before the match. The victims, aged 24 and 40, were taken to the hospital and later released after treatment. Police are on the hunt for the suspect.
Hajduk Split made things a little more difficult for themselves than needed, but were able to take care of business in Sofia last night, advancing to the third round of Europa qualifiers.
Hajduk entered the match with a 1-0 advantage, but found themselves up 1-0 in the match in the 24th minute. Sofia tied the match in the first half, but Hajduk were able to keep composure and further their scoring in the 55th minute with a Mijo Caktas penalty. Caktas scored again in the 87th minute after Sofia found a second goal for themselves.
The match ended 3-2, giving the Bili a 4-2 victory on aggregate. They advance to face Steau Bucharest next week.
Trouble plagued Hajduk fans on their trip abroad with 60 traveling supporters being detained in Serbia and Bulgaria for various reasons. Reports allege 30 members of the Hajduk travelling contingency were detained in Serbia following reports of vandalism and robbery of a gas station. Serbian police allegedly waited for them after the match.
Meanwhile in Sofia, 30 further fans were barred from entering the stadium due to possession of pyrotechnic tools. Two members of the group were also arrested for possession of illegal drugs.
Dinamo Zagreb have learned that they will be facing Kazakh side Astana in the third round of Champions League qualifiers while HNK Rijeka will face Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 as they enter the tournament in the third round of Europa League qualifiers.
Scotland…..can we ever beat those cunts?