In a stunning display of offensive prowess, HNK Gorica overwhelmed Rudes with a commanding 6-0 victory in the Round of 32 of the Croatian Cup, held at SC Rudes on October 29, 2025. This decisive win not only marked a turnaround for Gorica following a string of disappointing league results but also left Rudes pondering their place in the competition.
From the outset, the match was decidedly one-sided. Just three minutes in, Domagoj Pavičić handed Gorica an early lead, setting the tone for what was to follow. The home side, buoyed by recent successes in the First NL, hoped to ride the momentum into the Cup match, but they quickly found themselves on the back foot as Gorica seized control. By the 33rd minute, Ante Kavelj added a second goal, and it was clear the visitors were relishing every moment of the encounter.
Iker Pozo then struck shortly before halftime, pushing Gorica's lead to three goals at the 41-minute mark. Rudes, who had come into the match on the heels of three consecutive victories, appeared rattled, struggling to contain Gorica's relentless attack. The half-time whistle blew with Rudes trailing 3-0, their optimism quickly evaporating.
The second half offered no respite for Rudes. Filip Čuić notched Gorica's fourth and the team's first penalty goal in the 55th minute after a foul in the box, further demoralizing the home crowd. As the match wore on, Ognjen Bakić and Medin Gashi added to the scoreline with goals in the 80th and 90th minutes, respectively. Bakić's strike showcased Gorica's hunger for more, while Gashi's late goal served up the icing on the cake.
Rudes' misery was compounded in the 78th minute when they received a red card, reducing them to ten men and extinguishing any flicker of hope they might have clung to for a comeback. The team's recent form, which had seen them win three of their last five league matches, now faces scrutiny as they return to league competition with this heavy defeat weighing on their confidence.
For HNK Gorica, this emphatic victory is a welcome resurgence after a disheartening run in the HNL, where they had suffered four losses in their last five outings. This match may serve as a pivotal moment for the team, potentially igniting a resurgence in their league performances as they shift gears towards more challenging fixtures ahead.
With their return to form punctuated by this Cup success, Gorica will look to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, Rudes must regroup quickly to solidify their standing in the First NL, as this crushing defeat could have lingering effects on their morale. The remainder of the Cup promises to be an exhilarating ride, bringing together tale after tale of triumph and despair as teams vie for glory. Both sides have much at stake going forward, and the outcome of today's match will echo in their upcoming challenges.