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Analysis of the match between Zrinjski and Utrecht
Zrinjski Mostar enter this round with solid form in the qualifiers. They drew the first leg against Breidablik but secured a 2-1 win in the return leg, limiting their opponents to just two shots on target. The Bosnian side also kicked off their domestic season on August 17 with a 0-0 draw against Siroki Brijeg, keeping a clean sheet for the first time in six matches.
If coach Igor Stimac guides Zrinjski into the Europa League group stage, it will be only the second time this century the club has reached the group stage of a major European competition. This season, Zrinjski played four Champions League qualifying matches—eliminated in the second round—with a record of 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. They have also been held to a draw in their last three home games.
On the other side, Utrecht overcame Servette 2-1 in the second leg of the previous round, winning 5-1 on aggregate. However, they recently suffered a 1-2 defeat to Sparta Rotterdam in the Dutch league, leaving them in 10th place with 3 points. That loss also marked the first time Utrecht failed to win in six matches this season (2025/26).
The two teams have met twice before, with Utrecht losing 2-3 on aggregate to Zrinjski in the 2019/20 Europa League second qualifying round. This season, Utrecht have won 2 of 3 away matches, but in the 2024/25 campaign they managed only 2 wins in their last 9 away games.
