European Journey: Two-Legged Tie Against Levski in Champions League Qualifiers

Our “Red and Blues” will begin their European journey in the new season with a two-legged tie against Levski Sofia in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

The first leg is scheduled for July 7/8 in Banja Luka, while the return leg will be played seven days later in Sofia.

“We were not lucky. There were easier opponents, but it is what it is. We are following our opponent, we are preparing as well, and we certainly expect two difficult and demanding matches. However, these are the Champions League qualifiers and, of course, nothing is easy, especially in European football,” said Vinko Marinović, head coach of our club, after the draw.

Captain Srđan Grahovac says that the team must achieve its goal through a great fight.

“We are playing in the Champions League qualifiers and all the teams at this stage are serious sides, while we have drawn one of the toughest opponents. We have to prepare well. Preparations have only just begun, we need to build team chemistry and stay healthy. There is still some time before the match, but I believe we will be ready to welcome them in Banja Luka. We have a lot of experience in the team, players who have beaten even stronger opponents, so we believe we can progress to the next round,” said Grahovac.

Miloš Jojić is aware of the difficulty of the task ahead in the upcoming European tie, but remains full of optimism.

“When we look at the teams we could have drawn, perhaps we could have had a bit more luck. However, all the teams in the qualifiers certainly have a certain level of quality, and they are all difficult opponents in their own way. It does not mean that if we had drawn someone else it would have been easier, or that it will be harder against Levski. We have to focus on ourselves, on our qualities, try to impose our style of play, and aim to get through the first round, which is our goal,” said Jojić.

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