In a dramatic showdown that could have gone either way, HNK Cibalia and HNK Hajduk Split played to a tense stalemate in the Round of 32 of the Cup at Stadion HNK Cibalia on October 29, 2025. After a grueling 120 minutes that saw neither team able to find the back of the net, Hajduk emerged victorious through a penalty shootout, claiming a 4-2 win.
For the locals, the result provided a bittersweet conclusion to a match that showcased their unwavering spirit. HNK Cibalia, fresh from a pair of narrow victories in league play, entered this Cup clash with newfound confidence. However, their struggles to score consistently reared its head once more, as they failed to convert their opportunities against a Hajduk side that brought a potent attack despite missing the creativity of its key players.
Cibalia, who have struggled offensively throughout their recent fixtures, continued a trend of missed chances. Their last five matches reflected some resilience, with a draw against Hrvace and a crucial victory over Dugopolje, but this was not enough to break through the Hajduk defense. The odds seemed stacked against them, and the lack of a clear goal-scorer weighed heavy as they faced off against one of Croatia's most storied clubs.
On the other hand, HNK Hajduk Split arrived on a wave of confidence, boasting four consecutive wins, including a 3-1 triumph over HNK Gorica just days before. They brought that momentum into the match, but even with the prospects of a powerful offense, they too struggled to capitalize in open play. Despite dominating possession, Hajduk found themselves butting heads against a disciplined Cibalia backline, which held firm under relentless pressure.
As the match reached its climax, both teams exchanged chances, yet no breakthroughs came. The tension in the air was palpable as the match headed to penalties, adding a new layer of excitement. What started as a cautious affair transformed into a high-stakes showdown from the spot.
In the shootout, Michele Šego and Rokas Pukštas converted their penalties for Hajduk, offering them a crucial lead. Cibalia responded with a failed attempt that left them fighting an uphill battle. Even as Bruno Durdov stepped up, the pressure was on, and Hajduk maintained their composure to secure a spot in the next round of the Cup.
Looking back at my pre-match predictions, I can only chuckle at my earlier musings about Cibalia's offensive prowess. I imagined a more open game with fireworks, but the reality was much more subdued. Both teams had their scoring chances limited through solid defensive work, and Hajduk's experience shone through during the tense penalty shootout phase.
This Cup result means Hajduk Split will continue their quest for silverware while Cibalia will have to refocus their ambitions on the league, where they find themselves in the mid-table after a mixed bag of results. The Cup might have slipped from their grasp this time, but with their defensive grit, they can surely take positives moving forward as they aim for consistency in the league.
For Hajduk, the victory solidifies their standing as a serious contender not only in the Cup but also bolsters their morale moving into the next league fixtures. They know they can rely on their collective experience in tense situations, something that may pay dividends as they continue their pursuit of a successful season.