Na Hajduk bez trenera: ‘Odavno ne pamtimo da su Bijeli bili u tako dobroj formi‘

Gorica drew 0-0 with Lokomotiva on Saturday in the opening match of Matchday 11 of the Croatian First Football League, ending their stay at the bottom of the table. The point lifted the team from Velika Gorica above Rudeš, which sits last with seven points but has played one fewer game. Gorica now shares the seventh-place spot with Lokomotiva, who have 11 points. The match was played under rainy conditions and featured few clear chances for either side. Mario Carević, the head coach of Gorica, was suspended for the second of two matches due to a red card received in a previous game against Osijek. He watched the match from the eastern stand. Assistant coach Denis Mojstovic managed the team from the sideline. Mojstovic noted that while the squad could regret losing two potential points, they needed to be more decisive in final passes and shots when entering the opponent's defensive third. He contrasted this fixture with the recent loss in Osijek, where three goals were disallowed for offside positions via Video Assistant Referee technology, leaving only one goal recognized. In that earlier match, the team had significantly more space, particularly during transitions. Against Lokomotiva, however, the visitors compressed their lines and defended tightly, limiting attacking opportunities despite Gorica’s efforts to create play through deep passes, runs, and crosses. The match began with both teams adopting open tactics. Gorica created the first major threat in the 17th minute when Frigan dropped the ball after a cross, allowing Stevanovic to arrive late on his shot. Eight minutes later, Lokomotiva responded with their first concrete chance as Kulusic found himself alone in front of the goalkeeper but fired straight into the hands of Josipovic. The remainder of the first half saw balanced play with promising moments for both sides, though the score remained unchanged. Lokomotiva started the second half strongly. In the 52nd minute, Vukovic attempted a shot that posed little danger to the home keeper. A more dangerous opportunity arose in the 64th minute when Katric struck the ball from the edge of the penalty area, sending it past the post. The visitors maintained pressure early in the second half, creating additional threats that Gorica successfully neutralized. Gorica appeared relatively quiet until the 72nd minute. Vrizic set up Erceg, but the visiting defense reacted slightly faster to block the initial attempt. Erceg subsequently took a shot that missed the target entirely. Both teams settled into a calmer rhythm during the final phase of the match. The best chance of the game came in the 89th minute when Pranjić delivered an assist to Mijic, who was positioned for an easy finish. However, Cabrajic blocked the shot, preserving the draw. Mojstovic expressed satisfaction that Gorica is increasingly taking initiative and playing more cohesively compared to the start of the season. During the first quarter of the campaign, the team finished nearly every match in a subordinate position, accumulating only five points from nine games. Current performance suggests there is still room for improvement in individual player form and overall team output. Several key players performed below their usual standards in this match. Bruno Bogoevic, identified as the team's best performer this season, had his worst game and was substituted early. Veteran Domagoj Pavicic failed to replicate his excellent display in Osijek. Ante Erceg is still regaining consistency following a long injury layoff. Fran Brodic, another crucial offensive player, missed this match due to injury, marking his second consecutive absence. The team faces its next challenge on Saturday away at Hajduk Split, the league leaders. Mojstovic stated that the motivation is maximal, although all pressure lies on the opposing side. He acknowledged that Hajduk is in exceptional form, a level of performance not remembered for a long time. Despite this, the coaching staff aims to prepare a solid tactical plan for the match at Poljud stadium. The objective is to remain competitive and demonstrate that the squad can adequately prepare for such difficult fixtures. Other matches in Matchday 11 include Varaždin versus Slaven Belupa on Saturday at 18:00. On Sunday, Osijek hosts Rudeš at the Opus Arena at 18:00. Istria 1961 plays Hajduk on Monday at 18:00. The round concludes on Tuesday with a derby featuring champions Dinamo Zagreb hosting Rijeka at Maksimir Stadium, also starting at 18:00.