Rudar Stuns Dekani with Late Surge, Leaving Hosts in Despair

Rudar's 2-1 victory over Dekani on November 9, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the battle for survival in the 2. SNL. With both teams languishing near the bottom of the table, this match was a must-win for both sides. Rudar's goals in quick succession during the first half set the tone, while Dekani's second-half response proved too little, too late.

Rudar struck first in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Dekani. Just six minutes later, they doubled their lead, leaving the home side reeling. The visitors showcased a clinical edge that has been missing in their recent performances, particularly after a solid win against Krško just days prior. Rudar's newfound confidence was palpable as they executed their game plan with precision.

Dekani, fresh off a cup victory against Tromejnik Montpreis, entered the match with hopes of building momentum. However, their defensive frailties resurfaced at the worst possible time. After conceding two goals in quick succession, they faced an uphill battle. Despite showing flashes of attacking promise, their inability to maintain defensive discipline proved costly.

The hosts finally found their footing in the 51st minute when they pulled one back. A surge of energy coursed through the team and their supporters, igniting hopes of a comeback. Yet, despite several attempts to equalize, Dekani could not find the back of the net again. Their struggles in front of goal have been evident throughout the season, and this match was no exception.

Recent form tells a story of contrasting fortunes. Rudar has shown resilience lately, with two wins in their last five matches, including a strong cup performance that hinted at a turnaround. In contrast, Dekani has been mired in inconsistency, suffering three losses in their last five league outings. Their inability to convert chances into goals has left them vulnerable and frustrated.

Leko and Gibson have emerged as key figures for Rudar, consistently contributing to their attacking play. Leko's ability to find space and create opportunities has been crucial in recent matches. Meanwhile, Gibson's work rate and creativity have added depth to Rudar's midfield, allowing them to control games more effectively than earlier in the season.

For Dekani, Kolman has been a bright spot amid the gloom. His recent goal-scoring form provided a glimmer of hope for a team desperately seeking stability. However, individual brilliance has not been enough to mask the collective issues plaguing the squad. The pressure is mounting as they prepare for their next match against Krka, where anything less than a win will deepen their relegation fears.

This defeat leaves Dekani firmly entrenched in the relegation battle, sitting in 13th place with just 12 points from 13 matches. Rudar's victory lifts them to 12th place with 13 points, but both teams remain precariously close to the drop zone. The stakes could not be higher as they navigate the final stretch of the season.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a tight contest with Rudar edging it due to their recent form. While I expected a narrow victory, I did not foresee such a decisive first-half display from Rudar. This match serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in football; one moment can define a season.

As both teams look ahead, Rudar will aim to build on this momentum against Tabor Sežana, while Dekani must regroup and find answers before facing Krka. The pressure is on for both sides as they fight to avoid slipping further into the abyss of relegation.