Sheriff edged past NK Aluminij Kidričevo with a narrow 1-0 victory in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round. The decider came inside the opening five minutes, setting the tone for a tense contest.
Loukou Konan Jaures-Urlich Civ turned in Danila Forov's assist in the 5th minute to give Sheriff the early lead. The rest of the first half saw three yellow cards – Matic Vrbanec for the hosts, Vito Težak for Sheriff, and Jayder Asprilla – before Tomislav Jagić was also booked just after the hour.
Sheriff's early goal proved enough as they held on despite the home side's attempts to respond. Without possession or shot data, the match was decided by that single strike inside the first five minutes, and NK Aluminij were unable to find a way back.
