Coach Hajduk after the win: 'It's hard to play at this pace.

Hajduk has secured its first win of the season in the HNL after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Gorica in Velika Gorica. The match saw Marko Livaja deliver a crucial goal in the 87th minute, sealing the three points for the club. Despite a slow start, Hajduk managed to take control of the game and ultimately capitalize on their opportunities, with Livaja’s late strike proving decisive. The match began with Gorica taking an early lead through Michele Šego, who scored just three minutes into the game. However, Hajduk responded swiftly, equalizing through Bruno Bogojević in the 78th minute following a penalty. The momentum shifted dramatically when Livaja, coming off the bench, found the back of the net in the final moments of the match, ensuring Hajduk's narrow victory. This result sees Hajduk climb to sixth place in the league table, tied with fifth-placed Istra 1961. Meanwhile, Gorica remains winless after three matches, joining Slaven Belupo and Rudeš in the bottom of the table. The outcome was particularly bitter for Gorica’s coach, Mario Carević, who expressed frustration over the loss despite his team’s efforts in the second half. Carević acknowledged that his side had been competitive in the second half, pressing high and responding well to the penalty awarded against them. He criticized the manner in which Hajduk capitalized on their chances, noting that the Croatian champions have shown individual quality and should have taken more from the encounter. “We were good in the second half, we pressed high and came back from the penalty,” he said. “But we didn’t manage to take anything from the game.” For Hajduk, the win was a much-needed boost ahead of their upcoming Europa Conference League play-off clash against Polish side Raków. Coach Gonzalo García praised his players for their resilience and determination, acknowledging the physical toll of playing every three days. “It was tough to play every three days, but we had our moments and came back after conceding to win,” he said. “Gorica is a very strong team, and we wanted consistency. They were in a low block in the first half and didn’t press much. We made some mistakes and had some bad luck with penalties.” García emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and staying focused, especially as Hajduk prepares for the European challenge. “We want control in every game, and we know it will be difficult because they can make things hard for us,” he added. “We need to be ready for everything.” Marko Livaja’s performance was hailed as a turning point for the team. After being substituted in the previous match, he returned to the action and delivered a moment of brilliance that sealed the win. His goal came after a defensive error by Gorica’s goalkeeper, Hodak, who failed to properly clear a cross. Livaja then took advantage of the situation, evading the defender and scoring with precision. Despite the victory, there were concerns among fans about the team’s overall performance. Some questioned the lack of attacking intensity and the reliance on key players such as Adrion Pajaziti and Rokas Pukštas, who have started every match this season. Others pointed to the need for greater rotation and fresh legs, especially as the team faces a grueling schedule with both domestic and European commitments. In the aftermath of the match, fans expressed mixed emotions. While many celebrated the win, others voiced disappointment with the team’s approach and execution. One fan wrote, “We need to see more from all players, not just one or two. It’s time for the whole squad to step up.” Another called for immediate changes, stating, “Garcia must give Livaja more minutes, he creates a huge difference.” Looking ahead, Hajduk faces another challenging fixture against Žalgiris in Lithuania, where they hold a 5-2 advantage from the first leg. The tie will be crucial in determining their path forward in the Europa Conference League. With the team currently in a precarious position, the pressure is mounting on both players and coaches to deliver consistent performances. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on balancing domestic and European ambitions. For now, the win against Gorica provides a small but vital confidence boost, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal week in the campaign.