Marcos Tavares increased his lead on NK Maribor’s all-time scoring list. Second on the list is Branko Horjak with 117 goals, while third is Kliton Bozgo with 110. Photo: BoBo Foto:
Marcos Tavares increased his lead on NK Maribor’s all-time scoring list. Second on the list is Branko Horjak with 117 goals, while third is Kliton Bozgo with 110. Photo: BoBo Foto:


The eight-time Icelandic champion, Hafnarfjördur, was defeated with 1:0 at the Ljudski Vrt Stadium in Maribor last night in the 3rd qualifying round for the Champions League. After three years the capital of Styria can once again smell a European football autumn. "I wouldn’t have scored without the perfect pass from Rajčević. We cooperate very well, we’ve been teammates for eight years now. Even in Mostar, when I scored the penalty, it was him who started the attack. I train well and I pay attention to my diet and regeneration. I pray together with my family. I scored these record 19 European goals with the help of Jesus," were the thoughts of the hero of Wednesday’s match played under the Kalvarija hill.

"It was a difficult match. When we watched their videos we saw that the Icelanders can play attacking football. But today they focused more on defense. In the second half we put pressure on their defensive line and that’s when we started threatening their goal. We did score a goal and I think we have a good result. We have the advantage, but we have to play smart in Iceland without making any mistakes. We’re close to advancing to the next round, but it’s not over yet. I think the away match will be very different," added Tavares, who just like Jasmin Mešanović started both of the matches in the previous round against Zrinjski from the bench. This time the two attackers started the match, while Luka Zahović had to sit on the bench.

Milanič expects a more solid performance from the Icelanders
"In these matches you need two attackers. Tavares is the key. At the start of the match we were a bit too passive and our opponent completely slowed down the rhythm of play. But from the 30th minute onwards we had more space to play, took advantage of that and had a few good chances. We were especially good on the left side, as Viler was in good form again. In the second half we changed our tactics and controlled the match. They allowed our central defenders to start playing and Rajčević took full advantage of that. The Icelanders played differently in their previous matches, but they also had different opponents. This time they faced a higher quality opponent and were quite inferior. They did not present any danger to our goal. We know them much better know," explained coach Darko Milanič.

Matej Rijavec, Aleš Golob, MMC; translated by K. J.