LJUBLJANA (Interstat) — Ilirija produced a patient attacking performance and a clean sheet, defeating Bilje 3-0 Tuesday at Športni park Ilirija. The home side broke through in the 34th minute and added two more goals after halftime to secure the result. Bilje, which was the visiting team, was held without a goal for the match. Ilirija finished with three goals total, while Bilje finished with zero.

Ilirija opened the scoring in the 34th minute, converting the game’s first goal after a spell of possession. The goal gave the home team a lead it would not relinquish. Bilje tried to respond before the break, but the visitors could not find an equalizer. Ilirija carried the one-goal advantage into halftime and then stretched its lead in the second half.

The second goal arrived in the 64th minute, when Ilirija again broke through Bilje’s defense. The third came in the 81st minute, closing the scoring and putting the match out of reach. Bilje never found a reply and was shut out. Ilirija’s three-goal output matched the final margin. The three goals were scored in the 34th, 64th and 81st minutes. The final whistle confirmed a home victory and a clean sheet for Ilirija.

The result updated both teams’ records. Ilirija’s season record in this competition is now six wins, six losses and one draw. Bilje’s season record in this competition is now five wins and seven losses. Across all competitions, Ilirija also stands at six wins, six losses and one draw. Bilje’s record across all competitions is now five wins and eight losses.

Ilirija’s victory came at Športni park Ilirija in Ljubljana, where the home side set the tone early and protected the lead after the opening goal. Bilje remained within a goal until the second Ilirija strike, but the home side’s third goal ended any remaining comeback hopes. Ilirija closed out the match without conceding and secured the three-goal win. The match was played in the Slovenian capital. Ilirija scored the opening goal and protected it through halftime. Bilje could not recover after falling behind and the home side’s two second-half goals sealed the result.

Bilje had lost 4-3 at NK Bistrica in its most recent match, beaten NK Krka 2-0 at home, lost 5-1 at Beltinci, lost 3-1 at Krsko Posavje, lost 2-0 at home to Jesenice, won 3-2 at ND Primorje Ajdovscina, beaten Slovan B 4-0 at home, lost 4-1 at Velenje and lost 4-1 at home to NK Kety Emmi&Impol Bistrica.

Ilirija had lost 1-0 at home to Tabor Sezana in its most recent match, won 2-1 at home over NK Krka, lost 4-2 at home to Beltinci, lost 1-0 at Dekani, won 2-0 at home over NK Krsko Posavje, lost 3-1 at Jesenice, drew 0-0 at home with ND Primorje Ajdovscina, lost 2-1 at Slovan B and won 2-0 at home over Velenje.

Bilje’s upcoming schedule includes a rematch with Ilirija, followed by matches against Tabor, Vrhnika, Triglav, Brezice, Dravinja, NK Kety Emmi&Impol Bistrica, Velenje, Slovan B and ND Primorje Ajdovscina. Ilirija’s schedule includes the rematch, then Vrhnika, Triglav, Brezice, Dravinja, NK Kety Emmi&Impol Bistrica, Velenje, Slovan B, ND Primorje Ajdovscina and Jesenice. The rematch is the next listed fixture for both clubs in the competition. Both teams will continue their schedules after that match.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Ilirija 2, Bilje 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Ilirija with a 68.5 percent probability to win. Ilirija had been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -0.5. The total score of 3 went under the over/under line of 2.5.