Osijek convincingly beat Gorica 2:0 in season opener

Osijek opened the new SuperSport HNL season with a victory. They defeated the home side Gorica 2:0 at the away match in Velika Gorica, with the key moments happening in the opening minutes of the game.

Quick goals break Gorica

Ivan Dolček put the visitors ahead in the 7th minute after a well-worked move. Luka Vrbančić started the attack, Balel passed the ball to Dolček, who cut in from the right side of the box and fired a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Davor Matijaš into the net.

Just seven minutes later, in the 14th minute, Osijek doubled their lead. Jon Ježić was brought down by Stefan Perić inside the penalty area, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Nail Omerović was confident from the penalty spot and calmly slotted the ball into the net for the final 2:0.

Visitors dominate and miss chances

Osijek continued to dominate after the second goal. In the 35th minute, Omerović hit the post with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Gorica's best chance came a minute later when Patrik Mijić, after a defensive error, found himself one-on-one with Marko Malenica, but he failed to hit the target.

In the second half, Armando Leon missed a great chance to extend the lead in the 58th minute when the ball got away from him at the crucial moment. The home side had their best opportunity in the 68th minute when Luka Vrzić went through on goal, but Osijek's goalkeeper made an excellent save to deny him.

Matijaš prevents a heavier defeat

Gorica's goalkeeper Davor Matijaš was the main reason the defeat was not more emphatic. By the end of the match, he had made five saves, four of which came from shots inside the box. In the closing stages, he also saved a header from Omerović following a cross from Jakupović.

Osijek thus rightfully secured their first three points of the new league season, making a strong impression in the debut of new coach Federico Bessone, who led the team from the bench for the first time.