Maribor twice came back from behind against a stubborn Domžale side to record an entertaining 4-3 victory at Ljudski vrt Stadium on Saturday evening, joining Mura and Koper in a three-way tie at the summit of the Prva Liga standings.
Following a midweek 3-1 win over Aluminij, Maribor knew a win over struggling Domžale – who were winless in their last four encounters – would propel them to the top of the table, yet they found themselves a goal down just 11 minutes in as Dario Kolobaric headed the visitors in front, holding onto their 1-0 lead at the break.
Maribor hit back just three minutes into the second half through Rudi Požeg, before doubling their lead just six minutes later following Jan Mlakar’s quick turn and shot on goal.
Domžale refused to give up, equalising through Toni Mujan’s cross-cum-shot before regaining the lead through Sven Karič after Maribor failed to clear away the danger from a corner.
The goalmouth action was far from over as the Purples rallied, levelling matters as the ball fell kindly to Špiro Peričić who applied the finishing touch. And five minutes from time, Maribor completed the comeback as Bla Vrhovec’s defence-splitting pass was tucked away by Aljoša Matko to make it 4-3, sending the home side into rapturous celebrations.
The goal-frenzy, with seven different players registering their names on the scoresheet, ended with Maribor taking maximum points, lifting them to top spot on the log via goal difference.
Joining them at the summit with 19 points from 11 matches is NS Mura, who failed to remain in the outright lead following a disappointing goalless draw with Tabor Sežana, as well as Koper, who made it three victories in a row following a surprise 2-1 victory over Olimpija at Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana.
Elsewhere, defending champions Celje returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Aluminij to climb up to sixth in the standings, while Gorica and Bravo played out a goalless draw in Saturday’s late game.
Domestic league action takes a break for the next two weeks owing to the FIFA international break, which sees Slovenia host Azerbaijan in a friendly encounter on Wednesday, 11 November ahead of two UEFA Nations League clashes against Kosovo and Greece. Slovenia currently top League C Group 3 with 10 points from their four matches played so far in the competition.
League table: Facebook/ Prva liga Telekom Slovenije
