BSK Banja Luka claimed their first victory of the season when they defeated Velež 2-0 in the Premier League's second round on Saturday. The hosts took control early, with N. Keranovic opening the scoring just before the break, and S. Marcetic adding a second before the interval. Both sides had red cards by the end, but the result was decided long before the final whistle.
Keranovic's goal came in the 32nd minute, arriving shortly after M. Abdallah had been sent off for Velež in the 25th minute. The numerical advantage helped BSK stretch the back line and create chances, and they took their opportunity. By then, Velež were already chasing the game, and the momentum never really shifted.
Marcetic doubled the lead in the 65th minute before being dismissed himself two minutes later. The striker had put the game to bed early enough for BSK to manage the closing stages, despite losing their man. Velež pulled two substitutions in the 90th minute but could not find a way back.
BSK dominated possession at 66 per cent, though Velež registered slightly more attacks at 67. The hosts hit the target six times compared to Velež's two, and when you look at the shot conversion, BSK were far more clinical. Three corners to one also tells you where the pressure fell.
The win lifts BSK to ninth with three points from five games, while Velež remain eighth on four. Neither side has much to celebrate yet, but BSK have at least found a winning pattern after four defeats. Marcetic's red card means he will miss the next fixture, and that could complicate matters.