Maribor qualify for UEFA Champions League for third time
Ljubljana, 5 December - After conceding its dominance in the national championship to Olimpija Ljubljana last year, Maribor regained the title this year in a dominant fashion to earn a spot in the qualifications for the UEFA Champions League.
Ljubljana
Maribor football team.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
On the road to the promised land, Maribor defeated the Bosnian, Icelandic and Israeli champions, with the latter being the only real threat. Maribor eliminated Hapoel Be'er Sheva with an aggregate score of 2:2 by virtue of scoring more away goals, and made it to the Champions League for the third time ever.
In group E of the preliminary stage, the team from Slovenia's second largest city got Spartak Moscow, Sevilla and Liverpool, one of the most successful English clubs. The third time was not the charm for Maribor though, as they finished last in the group with three points from three draws.