Osijek played the second warm-up match against Neftchi

The Osijek players played the second warm-up match as part of their summer preparations, again against the Azerbaijani first league team Neftchi, and the coaching staff once again used the match to distribute the minutes and check different combinations ahead of the start of the new season.

From the start, the White-and-Blues tried to impose their rhythm of play through high pressure and control of possession. Omerović had the first chance, while on the other side, Malenica stopped a dangerous attempt by the opponent with an excellent intervention.

In the rest of the first half, Osijek seriously threatened several times. After a free kick and a corner kick by Niko Farkaš and an action created by Omerović, Bukvić and Mustafić, several very good chances were created, but no goal was scored. The closest was Jelenić, whose shot after a corner ended in the goal.

The second half brought the expected changes in the lineup in order to give as many players as possible a chance. Despite the somewhat open play on both sides, the White-and-Blues continued to look for solutions in attack, and the reward came after a nice move in which Dolček found Ljatifi with a rebound, who headed the ball into the net.

By the end of the match, Dolček threatened once again with a long-range shot, while Ćurčija saved his net with an excellent save after a dangerous free kick from the opponent.

Against a quality opponent who is preparing for European challenges, the White-and-Blues showed a number of positive segments of the game, with good energy, organization and valuable minutes for a large number of players.

The preparatory matches continue to primarily serve to acclimatize the team and raise the competitive rhythm, and the coaching staff continues to build the desired model of play ahead of the official challenges that lie ahead.