Borac Banja Luka secured a 3-1 victory over Vikingur Reykjavik in the UEFA Conference League playoff round on Wednesday evening. The home side advanced through the tie despite Vikingur controlling 72 per cent of possession throughout the contest. The result completes a double over their Icelandic opponents, who had lost 3-1 away from home earlier in August.
Events began to shift when D. Hrelja turned the ball into his own net at the 16th minute, handing Vikingur a surprise lead. Borac responded through S. Herrera, who found the net at 55 minutes to level matters. L. Juricic then restored the hosts' advantage at 67 minutes, and P. Djajic sealed the victory in stoppage time at 90+4.
Discipline proved an issue for both sides, with five yellow cards shown to each team. Vikingur accumulated bookings from O. Ekroth, V. Andrason, A. Fridriksson, and H. Gudjonsson among others, while Borac's players received cautions through B. Meijers, S. Herrera, S. Savic, and A. Hiros.
The statistics told a story of contrasting approaches. Borac registered 98 attacks with five shots on target and five off target, converting three chances. Vikingur produced 107 attacks but recorded zero shots on target despite their dominance in possession, a clear indication that chances went begging.
Borac made several tactical changes during the second half, bringing on L. Juricic and A. Esiti together at 74 minutes, followed by D. Hrelja and S. Savic at 83. Vikingur introduced H. Magnusson and A. Thrandarson at the 64th minute, then replaced V. Andrason shortly after.
The victory keeps Borac on course for the group stage, while Vikingur's European campaign comes to an end. The hosts dominated the physical exchanges with 22 free kicks won compared to the visitors' 13, and their efficiency in front of goal proved decisive despite the statistical disparity.