Aluminium on its way to Europe: it's time for Kidrich know-how to pay off

Aluminij, the Slovenian cup winners from Kidričevo, faces its latest European challenge this Thursday evening against Dinamo City from Albania in the second round of qualifying for the Conference League. The match will take place at the Ljudski Vrt stadium in Maribor, starting at 20:00 local time. This comes after Aluminij's narrow exit from the Europa League qualifiers against Sheriff from Tiraspol, which forced them into the Conference League path. Their European campaign continues with high stakes, as they aim to make their mark on the continental stage. The team has shown resilience throughout the season, particularly in defense. After three matches, two draws and one loss, they have conceded just one goal, showcasing a solid backline. However, their attacking struggles remain evident, with no goals scored yet in the European qualifiers or in their recent domestic game against Maribor, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Despite these challenges, coach Jura Arsić expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt and improve. Arsić highlighted the strength of Dinamo City, noting their experience in European competition and their recent success in eliminating Kazakh club Astana in the previous round. He described them as an aggressive team with clear principles, capable of making tactical adjustments. “They are a very organized, dynamic, brave team with a lot of desire for results,” he said. “There are many unknowns, but we are well prepared and have answers ready.” Defender Matija Boben echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to neutralize key players such as captain Bruno Dito and forward Hekuran Berisha. Boben noted that Dinamo City’s defenders often contribute significantly to the attack, adding complexity to the challenge ahead. “We have analyzed them thoroughly and it’s time to turn that knowledge into results,” he said. Aluminij’s defensive stability has been a cornerstone of their performance this season. Goalkeeper Florijan Raduha, who took over from Matjaž Rozman, has played a crucial role in keeping clean sheets. His performances in the Europa League qualifiers against Sheriff were instrumental, and he is expected to continue providing reliable support in the upcoming match against Dinamo City. The team’s structure and cohesion have been praised by several players. Boben acknowledged the well-established formations and effective communication within the squad, which allows for quick adjustments during games. “The structure is well-developed, and the distances are good. We just need to fix some details,” he said. The young players, in particular, have shown promise, adapting quickly to the demands of competitive football. Despite their defensive strengths, Aluminij knows that scoring goals will be essential to progress further in European competitions. Coach Arsić was asked about his expectations for the first leg against Dinamo City and responded confidently. “How much? 12-0!” repeated defender Boben, echoing his coach’s optimism. While such a score might seem ambitious, it underscores the belief in the team’s potential and the desire to deliver a strong performance. The match against Dinamo City marks another step in Aluminij’s journey through European qualification rounds. With each encounter, the team aims to build momentum and secure a spot in the next phase of the competition. As they prepare for this crucial fixture, the focus remains on maintaining defensive solidity while finding solutions in attack. The outcome could determine whether Aluminij continues their European adventure or faces early elimination.