HNL Round 5: Hajduk Stays Perfect, Osijek & Rijeka Chase

Written by: Andrew R

With European play in the rearview mirror for most HNL clubs, the domestic schedule is starting to return to a sense of normalcy. 8/10 teams played this weekend with Dinamo vs. Varaždin being rescheduled due to Dinamo’s Champions League qualifying match with AEK.

Rudeš vs Hajduk (0-2)

Marko Livaja showed us all why he truly is one of the most lethal players in the HNL. His experience and performance led Hajduk to a 2-0 victory over Rudeš Sunday night. Hajduk continue their winning streak to four games now thanks to their win at the Kranjčevićeva. Marko Livaja was by far the best player on the pitch. He contributed to both goals, scoring one and assisting to Dario Melnjak on the other. Sofascore gave Livaja an 8.7 rating for this performance. Rudeš did have some positive takeaways from Sunday’s match. Rudeš did create far more chances in the 2nd half with eight total shots (4 on target).

NK Osijek vs HNK Gorica (1-0)

Caktaš seems to be unstoppable this season in all aspects of the pitch for Osijek. Thanks to his creativity and knack for scoring, Osijek lead the league in goals this season with 15. Gorica, who managed to play excellent defensively, slowed down Osijek but couldn’t hold off their offense for a full 90 minutes. Caktaš found the back of the net for the sixth time this season in the 29th minute thanks to a Bukvić cross that he was able to head in. Caktaš once again was the best player on the pitch having not only his goal but 20 accurate passes as well. Gorica’s unbeaten streak ends due to lack of creativity up front, despite having 13 shots (only 3 on target).

HNK Rijeka vs Lokomotiva (2-1)

Rijeka and Lokomotiva had an entertaining clash Sunday night which tested Rijeka’s resilience to come back from behind. Vladan Bubanja found a goal early which shocked the Rijeka faithful at Rujevica. While the Lokosi tried to hold, the chances for Rijeka eventually piled up. Marco Pašalić scored a wonderful goal right before the half; striking the ball from 19 yards out off the bottom of the crossbar. In the 2nd half, Rijeka found their winner in super sub Nais Djouhara during the 78th minute. Despite the Rijeka win, Lokosi goalkeeper Nikola Čavalina was the MOTM. Without him, the score line could have been far worse for Lokomotiva. He recorded nine saves on the night with four coming from shots inside the box. He also had 50 touches on the ball; the most of any goalkeepers this match week. After the barrage Rijeka’s offensive sent his way, Čavalina walked out of the match only conceding two goals out of 29 total shots.

Slaven Belupo vs Istra 1961 (2-2)

Slaven and Istra opened the match week in a goal-filled thriller that wasn’t short of drama and excitement. Slaven opened the scoring early with two goals in less than 25 minutes from Mioč and Crnac. Slaven only saw two shots in the 1st half and converted both while only retaining 38% possession. Ricardo Moniz’s attacking version of Slaven has been successful in its moments, but it can easily unravel. And unravel it did as Istra got a goal back before the half thanks to Matej Vuk. Istra pushed in the 2nd half but failed to see any chances hit the frame. That is until the 86th minute when Ante Erceg found the leveler to salvage a draw for the Pula club. Slaven’s Ante Crnac was arguably the best player of the night, scoring a goal, having 22 completed passes, two of which were key passes. He also recorded two interceptions and tackles while going 100% in aerial duels.