Maribor cruise to Slovenian Super Cup hat-trick

NK Maribor were boosted ahead of their UEFA Champions League play-off with Celtic FC as they secured their third straight Slovenian Super Cup by winning 4-1 at ND Gorica.

The league champions were beaten by their hosts in last season's Slovenian Cup final but convincingly took revenge. However, coach Ante Šimundža said next Wednesday's first-leg visit of Celtic is not on their minds yet.

Damjan Vuklišević headed Maribor in front on two minutes and man of the match Dare Vršič then showed his prowess from the penalty spot. Stephen Makinwa pulled one back but after Marco Modolo was sent off for Gorica, Vršič converted another spot kick and Nusmir Fajić made it four a minute from the end.

Šimundža said: "We started really well, not only were we 2-0 up in 20 minutes we also missed two great chances. We were better tonight, we absolutely deserve to have the trophy in our hands. We have more players available than Gorica, this is also our advantage. We are not thinking yet about the Celtic clash in the Champions League play-offs as there is another league match coming even before that."

Vršič added: "Because of the weather and heavy rain the pitch was very difficult to play on tonight but we have shown that with an aggressive and focused game we can comfortably beat anyone here in Slovenia. We think match by match, this trophy will be in the club offices tomorrow but we are thinking about our next matches."