Prekmurje Derby Fireworks: Nafta Stuns Mura with Five Goals as Styrian Derby Ends Level

Nafta Rules Prekmurje with Five-Goal Thriller; Celje and Maribor Share Points

The third round of the Prva Liga Telemach kicked off with high drama. Nafta 1903 delivered a stunning performance to humble neighborhood rivals Mura in Lendava, while the regional derby between Celje and Maribor couldn't produce a winner.

Lendavčani Dominate the Prekmurje Derby

The first Prekmurje derby of the year belonged entirely to Nafta 1903. In a match filled with goals and controversy, Gonzalo Escudero’s side clinically exploited Mura's defensive lapses to secure a massive 5–2 victory.

Josip Ivan Zorica was the hero for the home side, netting twice in the 21st and 56th minutes. Amadej Maroša (31'), Luka Pihler (51'), and Anis Jašaragić (59') also got on the scoresheet during a dominant hour of football. Mura briefly threatened a comeback when Kristjan Trdin scored in the 39th minute and Alen Korošec added a late goal in the 70th, but the deficit was too large to overcome. With this win, Nafta temporarily jumped to the top of the league standings.

Balanced Styrian Derby at the Z'dežele Stadium

In Celje, the clash between the defending champions and Maribor ended in a fair 1–1 draw. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance but were ultimately forced to settle for a point each.

Maribor started the match perfectly, taking the lead in just the 3rd minute through Žiga Repas, who struck a precise shot from 17 meters. Maribor controlled much of the first half, missing a chance to double their lead via Jan Mlakar. However, Celje grew stronger after the break, eventually finding the equalizer in the 79th minute when Darko Hrka headed home from a Mario Kvesić cross.

Notable for Celje was the return of Slovenian star Benjamin Verbič, who was on the bench but did not enter the game. Maribor remains second in the standings with 4 points, while Celje is still searching for their first domestic win of the campaign.

Match Results:
Nafta 1903 5–2 Mura
Celje 1–1 Maribor

Weekend Outlook

Action continues on Sunday with Radomlje hosting Bravo, while Olimpija Ljubljana—now under new management following the departure of Mišo Brečko—will seek their first points of the season against Aluminij in Stožice.

Sources: Delo Šport, Prva Liga Official, NZS