Neftchi Baku vs NK Osijek

A goalless first half saw both sides create limited chances, consistent with the physical load of pre-season training camps. Neftchi had begun their Slovenia camp on 29 June, while Osijek were also in the latter stages of their summer preparations.

The deadlock was broken on 74 minutes when Ljatifi found the net for Osijek. The goal proved decisive as Neftchi could not find a response, despite pressing for an equaliser in the final 15 minutes.

Ljatifi's 74th-minute strike was the match's only moment of quality in the final third. Neither side had looked likely to score before it, and Neftchi — who had beaten Radnički Niš 3-0 three days earlier — could not replicate that attacking fluency against a more organised Osijek defence.

Admir Ljatifi (NK Osijek) — The midfielder scored the only goal of the game, continuing his involvement in Bessone's first-team plans after earning U-21 recognition from Croatian national selectors.

Neftchi Baku defence — While they conceded only once, the back line had limited opportunities to build forward momentum, with the midfield struggling to connect to the attacking line.

The 0-1 scoreline and goalless first half reflect the typical pattern of a pre-season friendly where both sides prioritised fitness work over attacking fluency. Neftchi had scored three in their previous friendly against Radnički Niš on 10 July, but faced a sterner test against Osijek's organised structure. The single goal from 74 minutes suggests a match dominated by midfield battles rather than clear-cut chances.

For Osijek, this is Bessone's first win since taking charge on 23 June. The Croatian side had lost their pre-season opener 0-4 to Paks on 4 July, and the clean sheet here will be a welcome defensive improvement. They continue preparations for the 2026/27 SuperSport HNL season, which begins on 1 August.

Neftchi Baku finished their Slovenia training camp with two wins and two losses — victories over Radnički Niš (3-0, 10 July) and defeats to CFR Cluj (1-2, 2 July), Partizan (0-1, 6 July), and Osijek. They return to Baku before beginning their UEFA Conference League campaign in the second qualifying round, with the first leg scheduled for 23 July.

A typical pre-season friendly decided by a single moment of quality. Bessone will take encouragement from the defensive solidity after a heavy defeat to Paks, while Neftchi's mixed camp results are secondary to their fitness build-up ahead of European qualifiers.