Zrinjski Eliminated from Europe After Late Penalty Miss

HŠK Zrinjski Mostar's European journey ended in dramatic fashion as they were knocked out of the Conference League in the second qualifying round. Despite a 2-2 draw in the second leg against Iceland's Valur at their home stadium, the aggregate score of 3-2 sealed their elimination, failing to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

The match in Mostar saw Zrinjski take an early lead in the 11th minute through a Nemanja Bilbija penalty, leveling the overall tie. However, Valur responded before halftime, with Tryggvi Haraldsson scoring twice in quick succession, including a goal in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Zrinjski fought back in the second half, with substitute Matej Šakota scoring in the 75th minute to equalize the match at 2-2 and reignite hopes for extra time. The pivotal moment arrived in the 88th minute when Zrinjski was awarded another penalty. Captain Nemanja Bilbija stepped up again, but his attempt was saved, ultimately proving to be the decisive miss that sent Valur through to the next round.

Valur will now face Danish side Nordsjælland in the third qualifying round. The match was also notable for the election of Varvodić as the new president of the Croatian Olympic Committee.