The players of Željezničar and Sarajevo will play the 159th eternal derby tonight at the Grbavica stadium at 6 pm, also the delayed match of the second round of the WWin League of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The biggest match in Bosnian football was originally scheduled to be played on August 15, but was postponed at the request of Željezničar due to the condition of the turf at “Grbavica”.
Both Sarajevo clubs are coming into the derby after victories in the previous championship round. Željezničar defeated Velež 3:1 at Grbavica on Sunday, thus returning to winning ways after losing to Borac in Banja Luka (0:2).
Coach David Muslera’s team is in sixth place after five games played with seven points, with a record of two wins, one draw and two losses and a goal difference of 6:7.
Sarajevo enters the derby with three points more. The Bordeaux team defeated Borac 1:0 in the last round in Koševo and is currently in third place with ten points.
The head of the Željezničar coaching staff, David Muslera, emphasized the importance of the match for his team, stressing that he expects a full Grbavica and support from the stands.
“One of the most important matches of the season awaits us. One of the most beautiful matches in the country. I sincerely believe in my team, we are working really well. We have to pay attention to the smallest details, focus and follow our ideas,” said Muslera.
Sarajevo coach Zoran Zekić expects a high-intensity match, in which, according to him, the final outcome could be decided by details.
“The derby is a match that by itself does not require additional motivation. Everyone knows very well what this match means to us. It is a match that carries a special emotion, but on the other hand, it requires maximum concentration and responsibility,” said Zekić.
With a victory in the derby, Željezničar would leapfrog Sarajevo in the standings, while three points for the burgundy team would represent the continuation of the fight for the top of the league table and an additional incentive for the rest of the season.
