HNK Gorica and Vukovar Share the Spoils in a Tense 1-1 Draw

A late equalizer from Ante Kavelj salvaged a point for HNK Gorica in a gripping encounter against Vukovar, who had taken the lead through Jakov Puljić. The match at Gradski stadion Velika Gorica on November 7, 2025, showcased the struggles of both teams as they continue to fight for survival in the HNL.

Puljić struck first in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a moment of defensive disarray from Gorica. His goal came as a result of Vukovar's persistent pressure, a tactic that has defined their recent form. Despite being outshot and out-possessed, Vukovar's resilience shone through, echoing their recent victory over Dinamo Zagreb just a week prior. In that match, they had managed to secure a win with only 29% possession, proving that they can capitalize on limited opportunities.

Gorica, coming off an impressive 4-1 victory against NK Lokomotiva Zagreb, struggled to find their rhythm. They dominated possession but failed to convert it into meaningful chances, reflecting a pattern seen in their previous matches. With only two shots on target throughout the game, their attacking prowess seemed stifled against Vukovar's organized defense. The home side's inability to translate ball control into goals has been a recurring theme this season.

The turning point came late in the match when Kavelj found the net in the 85th minute, leveling the score and igniting hope for Gorica. His goal was a testament to Gorica's fighting spirit, as they refused to accept defeat on home soil. Kavelj's performance has been pivotal for Gorica lately, and he continues to be a key figure in their midfield. This late equalizer not only secured a point but also provided a much-needed boost in morale for a team that has faced inconsistency this season.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 77th minute when Mario Tadić of Vukovar received a red card, leaving his team to defend their lead with ten men. This moment shifted the momentum firmly in favor of Gorica, who pressed forward in search of a winner. However, despite their numerical advantage, Gorica struggled to break down Vukovar's resolute defense until Kavelj's late intervention.

Statistically, Vukovar outperformed Gorica in several key areas. They recorded nine total shots compared to Gorica's two and maintained 63% possession throughout the match. Their ability to absorb pressure and counter effectively was evident, particularly after Tadić's dismissal. Vukovar's defensive discipline allowed them to withstand Gorica's late surge, showcasing their growth under pressure.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a narrow victory for Gorica based on their recent form and home advantage. However, today's draw highlights the unpredictable nature of football and serves as a reminder that even teams struggling at the bottom can produce moments of brilliance.

As both teams look ahead, Gorica remains in 8th place with 14 points while Vukovar sits just below them in 10th with 11 points. The draw does little to alleviate the pressure on either side as they continue to battle for points in a tightly contested league. For Gorica, the challenge will be to build on this momentum and find consistency in their performances. For Vukovar, today's result could serve as a foundation for future matches as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone.

Next up for Gorica is a clash against Istra 1961 on November 23, where they will seek to capitalize on their home advantage once more. Vukovar will face NK Slaven Belupo on November 21, hoping to carry forward the resilience shown today.

In the end, this match was more than just a point earned; it was a reflection of both teams' journeys this season-a reminder that every point counts in the relentless pursuit of survival in the HNL.