CS Petrocub 3-3 Borac Banja Luka | UEFA Europa Conference League | 31 July 2026

A thrilling six-goal contest in Moldova ended with honours even as CS Petrocub and Borac Banja Luka played out a 3-3 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier. The result leaves the tie wide open ahead of the return leg in Bosnia.

End-to-End Action

The match exploded into life early. Borac Banja Luka took a surprise lead in the 7th minute through Stojan Vranješ, but Petrocub responded quickly. Striker Vladimir Ambros equalised in the 15th minute with a powerful header, before midfielder Mihail Plătică put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark.

Borac hit back immediately after the interval. Winger Luka Jović (not the former Real Madrid striker) scored a fine individual goal to make it 2-2. Petrocub regained the lead through Andrei Cojocari in the 65th minute, only for Borac to equalise for the second time when substitute Milan Đurić slotted home in the 81st minute.

Key Performers

• Vladimir Ambros (Petrocub): A constant menace in the air and scored the equaliser.
• Stojan Vranješ (Borac): Opened the scoring and was involved in much of his side's best play.
• Mihail Plătică (Petrocub): Cool from the penalty spot and energetic in midfield.

Tie Outlook

With the tie level at 3-3, Borac Banja Luka will fancy their chances with the second leg at home. However, Petrocub will be heartened by scoring three away goals — a valuable commodity in UEFA qualifying. The Moldovan side have shown they can trouble the Bosnian defence, but they will need to be more disciplined at the back to avoid conceding again.

This result adds to a growing narrative of unpredictability in the early rounds of the Conference League, where smaller leagues often produce high-scoring thrillers.