Livaja's 87th-Minute Strike Secures Victory for Hajduk
Hajduk defeated Gorica 2:1 in the 3rd round of the SuperSport HNL, with Marko Livaja scoring the decisive goal.
Hajduk defeated Gorica 2:1 in the 3rd round of the SuperSport HNL, with Marko Livaja scoring the decisive goal.
Hajduk secured a 2:1 victory over Gorica in Velika Gorica on Saturday evening in the 3rd round of the SuperSport HNL. The hosts equalized in the 78th minute through Bogojević from the penalty spot, but Marko Livaja restored the visitors' lead in the 87th minute, earning them three crucial points.
Hajduk took the lead as early as the 3rd minute. Pukštas dribbled past his markers and crossed for Šego, who headed the ball into the net. The goal was briefly checked for a potential offside but was ultimately allowed as Pukštas was not in an offside position.
Gorica equalized in the 76th minute when referee Patrik Pavlešić awarded a penalty after Hodak stepped on Pranjić's foot. Bogojević took responsibility and slotted the ball into the left corner, leaving Silić with no chance.
Hajduk coach Garcia brought Livaja on in the 79th minute, replacing Šego, and the striker repaid the faith in the best possible way. In the 87th minute, the hosts lost possession, Pukštas picked up the ball and played it to Del Moral, who laid it off for Livaja. He turned brilliantly and fired the ball into the net to make it 1:2.
In stoppage time, which lasted seven minutes, Gorica pushed for an equalizer. Pranjić shot wide in the 90+2nd minute, and a minute later Pukštas threatened at the other end, but Matijaš made the save.
Hajduk had picked up just one point from their first two league matches, following a defeat to Varaždin away and a draw with Istra 1961 at Poljud. On Thursday, the Whites beat Žalgiris 4:0 at Poljud in the second leg of the Conference League third qualifying round, advancing to the play-offs with a 9:2 aggregate score.
Gorica, under coach Mario Carević, had lost both of their opening matches: 2:0 at home to Osijek and 3:1 away to Lokomotiva.
The main referee was Patrik Pavlešić from Duga Resa, assisted by Kristijan Novosel from Valpovo and Luka Kurtović from Osijek. The fourth official was Dario Bel from Osijek. The VAR referee was Ivan Bebek from Rijeka, with Goran Pataki from Đakovo as the assistant VAR.
Hajduk thus secured their first league win of the season, moving up to sixth place with four points, level with fifth-placed Istra 1961. Gorica remain without a point, alongside Slaven Belupo and Rudeš. Osijek and Varaždin lead the table with nine points each.
In the first half, Gorica's best chance came in the 31st minute when Bogojević broke down the left and crossed, Silić spilled the ball, and it bounced off Frigan's hand, but the danger passed without consequence for Hajduk. At the other end, Šotiček shot from about 15 meters in the 19th minute but was off target, while Matijaš saved Pukštas's effort five minutes later.
