Romanija Pale edged a five-goal thriller against FK Velež Nevesinje, winning 3-2 in the First League of the Republika Srpska on Saturday evening. The visitors built a two-goal lead, survived a spirited second-half comeback and found a late winner to take all three points from a dramatic contest.

Match overview

Romanija started confidently and silenced the home crowd in the 18th minute when Nikola Jović finished a quick counterattack with a low strike. The lead was doubled in the 44th minute through Stefan Marić, who headed home from a corner to give the visitors a comfortable half-time advantage. Velež Nevesinje responded after the break with far greater urgency. Marko Perić pulled one back in the 57th minute, and Danilo Šipka levelled in the 76th minute after a period of sustained pressure. Just as the game appeared to be heading for a draw, Luka Đurić struck in the 89th minute to secure a dramatic away win for Romanija.

Key moments

• 18’ – Romanija take the lead: Jović finished calmly after a swift break through midfield.
• 44’ – Marić doubles the advantage: A well-delivered corner was met with a powerful header.
• 57’ – Velež pull one back: Perić reacted first to a loose ball in the box.
• 76’ – Šipka equalises: The forward converted from close range after sustained home pressure.
• 89’ – Đurić wins it: A late counterattack ended with a composed finish into the far corner.

Tactical story

Romanija’s first-half plan worked almost perfectly: defend in a mid-block, force Velež wide and attack quickly through the central channels. The visitors’ two-goal cushion allowed them to sit deeper after the interval, but it also invited pressure. Velež changed shape and pushed more bodies forward, which produced the goals from Perić and Šipka. The home side’s momentum looked decisive until Romanija found one final transition, with Đurić’s late finish punishing Velež’s stretched defensive line.

Standout performers

Đurić was the hero with the late winner, but Jović and Marić were equally important for setting the platform. Romanija’s goalkeeper also made two crucial saves at 2-2 to keep the visitors level. For Velež, Perić and Šipka deserved credit for dragging their side back into the contest, while the midfield’s improved second-half intensity nearly produced a point.

Season impact

The victory gives Romanija Pale an important boost in the First League of the Republika Srpska standings and strengthens its push toward the upper half of the table. Velež Nevesinje will be frustrated to have fought back so well only to concede late, but the performance showed character. Both sides now face quick turnarounds, with Romanija looking to build on a resilient away display and Velež needing to tighten up in the closing stages of matches.