Zagodli so jo Mariboru, zdaj jo želijo še Albancem. In to v domu NK Maribor!

NK Maribor has secured its place in the Conference League qualifiers after a goalless draw against Aluminij in a tightly contested match at the Ljudski vrt stadium. The result means the Slovenian club will face Albanian side Dinamo Tirana in the second round of the qualifying competition, continuing their European campaign with hopes of progressing further. The match took place on Sunday, with over 1,800 fans filling the stands to witness the encounter between the two regional rivals. Despite heavy rain, the atmosphere remained electric, though neither team managed to break the deadlock. Aluminij’s defense held firm throughout, earning them a valuable point and maintaining their position in the race for European qualification. The game ended 0-0, marking another clean sheet for the defending Slovenian Cup champions. Aluminij's defensive solidity has been a key factor this season, with coach Jura Arsić praising his squad's consistency. However, he acknowledged that scoring goals remains a challenge. “We’re happy we’ve stabilized our defensive phase,” Arsić said. “In three games, we’ve scored just one goal, which gives us optimism. Our attack still has plenty of room for improvement, but overall, we’re satisfied.” The team faces Dinamo Tirana in the next round, a match they hope will see more goals and better performances. This is Aluminij’s third European fixture of the season, following draws with Sheriff Tiraspol and a 0-0 tie against Maribor in the first leg of the Conference League qualifiers. Their ability to keep clean sheets has been impressive, particularly given the pressure of competing in Europe. Defender Florijan Raduha played a crucial role in maintaining the shutout, stepping in for injured goalkeeper Matjaž Rozman. His performance was noted by both players and coaches alike. Arsić expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle the upcoming challenge against Dinamo Tirana. He described the Albanian side as highly aggressive and well-organized, having previously eliminated Kazakh side Astana in the first round. “They have clear principles and a strong attacking approach,” he said. “Our task is to stay focused and make sure we don’t let them dictate the game.” The match is set for Thursday, with kick-off scheduled at 8 p.m. local time. The venue for the clash will once again be the Ljudski vrt, where Aluminij has already recorded a notable draw against Maribor. The club’s supporters are expected to turn out in force, eager to provide support during what could be a pivotal moment in the team’s European campaign. Coach Arsić emphasized the importance of fan presence, stating that the energy from the crowd is a vital part of the team’s motivation. Simon Rogina, one of Aluminij’s star players, echoed these sentiments. “We need to forget the previous match quickly and focus on preparation,” he said. “We’ve been working hard for two weeks, and we’re ready to go all out.” The team’s determination to continue their European journey is evident, with each match presenting new opportunities and challenges. As the clock ticks down to Thursday’s showdown, the anticipation among fans and players alike continues to build.