Busy days for our top man Asmir Begović. After a very short break, he was back to the goal this weekend, when his Bournemouth visited iconic Luz stadium. The Cherries played their first friendly this pre-season in Lisbon, where they lost to Benfica 2-1. However, there is no time to rest for Asmir – straight after the game he was on the plane to Sarajevo to join the national team for some Nations league action. Bosnia-Herzegovina will play Italy away in Florence (September 4th) and host Poland (September 7th) in Zenica.
Ryan Fulton and his Hamilton Academical had a difficult task this weekend. They hosted Rangers at their New Douglas Park, conceding two early goals (15th and 20th minute) that decided the winner in the first half. The hosts were reduced to 10 men 15 minutes before the final whistle. Still, it was a decent performance from Ryan, who managed four saves.
Glentoran was as well reduced to ten men in Europa League, but Seanan Clucas’ sending off in 51st minute of their clash vs Motherwell had much more significant impact. Until that point, the game was even and goalless, but after Northern Irish side went a man down the things went downhill for them. Seven minutes after the red card, Motherwell scored their first goal of the night and added four more in last twenty minutes, to secure 5-1 win and advance to the next round.
AIK once again disappointed their supporters after losing to Hacken 1-0 at home (Janošević on the bench), while Malmo FF – with Marko Johansson between the sticks – drew 1-1 at home with Elfsborg. Marko was in action in the mid-week too, when Malmo defeated Polish side Cracovia to advance to the next round of Europa League, where they meet Honved.
Bojan Pavlović was in Borac starting eleven in their historic European win over Sutjeska Nikšić. Bosnian side will play Portuguese Rio Ave in the next round.