Aluminij vs FK Partizan

Partizan reclaimed the lead just three minutes later. Aluminij attempted a short back-pass towards their goalkeeper, but Marko Lekić read the play early, sprinted onto the loose ball, rounded the keeper with a composed feint, and rolled into an empty net (Sportal.rs). The quick response denied Aluminij any chance to build momentum from their equaliser.

Erik Kojzek (Partizan) — The centre-forward converted the early penalty with composure and led the line well as Partizan's focal point. His movement occupied the Aluminij centre-backs throughout the first half.

Marko Lekić (Partizan) — The match-winner. His intelligent reading of the 80th-minute back-pass was the difference between a draw and a victory. Lekić's awareness and composure in the decisive moment underlined his value as an attacking option.

Nemanja Trifunović (Partizan) — The winger won the penalty with a driving run and was Partizan's most dangerous creative outlet in the opening period. His directness caused problems for the Aluminij defence.

Player of the Match: Marko Lekić — for the match-winning goal that split an otherwise tight encounter.

Partizan created fewer clear chances than the 2–1 scoreline might suggest. The winning goal came from an opponent error rather than sustained attacking pressure, reflecting Ilić's post-match assessment that his team showed only flashes of the level he expects. Aluminij, who finished seventh in the Slovenian top flight last season and won the 2026 Slovenian Cup (their first major trophy), had periods of control in the second half and carried a threat from open play before and after their equaliser.

This was Partizan's second pre-season friendly in Slovenia, following a 1–0 defeat to CSKA 1948 Sofia on 29 June (Sportal.rs). The win stops a losing start but Ilić made clear in his TV Arena Sport interview: "We're not at the level I want yet. We're progressing slowly — it should look much better."

Aluminij, coached by Jure Arsić, were playing their own pre-season preparation fixture. Their squad is composed primarily of domestic Slovenian players with select Nigerian, Croatian, and Gambian internationals.

Partizan's next friendly is scheduled for Monday 6 July against Neftçi Baku, continuing their pre-season camp based at Terme Ptuj.

Partizan got the result but not the performance. Lekić's sharp finishing masked a patchy display that Ilić will expect to sharpen quickly. Aluminij showed they belong at this level and can cause problems for higher-profile opposition, but a costly defensive lapse decided the game.