No goals, no winner, but plenty of tension: the first leg of the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 first qualifying round between Sheriff Tiraspol and NK Aluminij ended in a goalless 0:0 at the Sheriff Stadium. For the Slovenians, it was the club's very first match in European competition — and they came through it without conceding.
A Historic Outing for Aluminij
Manager Jura Arsić set his side from Kidričevo up in a compact 3-5-2. Aluminij had earned their place in this competition through a 1:0 cup final win over Brinje Grosuplje — the club's first-ever European qualification. Their approach reflected the occasion: a deep defensive block, minimal risk-taking, and disciplined defensive organisation throughout. As early as the 46th minute, Vrbanec picked up the first yellow card of the match — a reflection of the physical tone that ran through the entire contest.
Sheriff Tiraspol, coached by Victor Vasilyevich Mihailov, lined up in an attacking 3-4-3. The Moldovans had booked their place in Europa League qualifying with a 2:0 cup final win over Zimbru Chișinău. Last season they exited the Conference League with a 4:1 aggregate defeat to Anderlecht — reason enough to make a stronger impression at an earlier stage this time around.
Chances at a Premium Despite Home Advantage
Sheriff seized the initiative throughout the first half but found no way through the visitors' well-organised defensive lines. The home side enjoyed the greater share of possession and pressed for the opener, yet rarely created genuinely dangerous positions. Arsić's defensive structure held firm: Aluminij gave away almost no space.
Early in the second half, Fomba (Sheriff) was also booked in the 48th minute — the contest was fiercely fought. In the 61st minute, Aluminij introduced Osuji for Bajraj to inject fresh energy, while Sheriff responded with a double change in the 68th minute: Fratea replaced Klas and Sapata came on for Jaures-Ulrich. The home side turned up the pressure without ever finding the decisive breakthrough. In the 81st minute, Ze Flores replaced Mota — and was shown a yellow card deep into stoppage time (90+2) for Sheriff.
Second Leg to Decide Everything
A 0:0 scoreline means Aluminij head back to Kidričevo with a clean away result. The second leg is completely open. Sheriff must now find the net on the road to progress — no straightforward task against an opponent who defends with such concentration. For Aluminij, going through would be the latest milestone in an already historic season.
