HNK Vukovar 1991 edged a five-goal thriller against NK Croatia Zmijavci, winning 3-2 away in the Croatian First Football League on Sunday, 13 September 2026. In a match that swung back and forth, Vukovar twice restored their lead before snatching a late winner that left the home side with nothing to show for a brave second-half comeback.

Match Overview

The game started at a high tempo, with both sides looking to attack through the flanks. Vukovar 1991 struck first through Marko Babić, but Zmijavci responded well and equalized before halftime. The visitors regained control early in the second half, only for Zmijavci to level again. Just as a draw seemed likely, Josip Marić found space in the box and delivered the decisive blow.

It was an entertaining contest full of transitions, set pieces, and goalkeeping saves. Zmijavci will feel they deserved a point, but Vukovar’s ruthlessness in the final minutes proved the difference in a match that had a real cup-tie atmosphere.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – 0-1: Marko Babić opened the scoring with a first-time finish after a low cross from the right.
• 34th minute – 1-1: Ante Šarić equalized for Zmijavci, turning in a rebound after a saved shot.
• 58th minute – 1-2: Ivan Perić restored Vukovar’s lead with a powerful strike from outside the box.
• 76th minute – 2-2: Petar Jurić headed home from a corner to bring Zmijavci level again.
• 88th minute – 2-3: Josip Marić reacted quickest to a loose ball and fired into the bottom corner for the winner.

Tactical Story

Vukovar 1991 looked to stretch the play with wide overloads and early crosses, while Zmijavci preferred to build through midfield and use set pieces. The home side’s equalizers came from their persistence and willingness to commit bodies forward, but that also left them exposed on the counter. In the closing stages, Vukovar’s substitutions added energy, and their late pressure finally told when Marić scored the fifth goal of the night.

Standout Players

Josip Marić was the hero for Vukovar, not only for the late winner but also for his constant movement between the lines. Marko Babić’s opener set the tone, and Ivan Perić’s midfield drive was important throughout. For Zmijavci, Ante Šarić and Petar Jurić both took their goals well, while their goalkeeper made several fine saves to keep the match alive. The head-to-head record between these two sides now has another dramatic chapter.

Season Impact

The win gives HNK Vukovar 1991 valuable momentum in the Croatian First Football League standings. For NK Croatia Zmijavci, the defeat is a painful one, especially after fighting back twice, but the performance showed they can compete in high-scoring games. Both teams will now turn their attention to the next round, with Vukovar looking to build a run and Zmijavci aiming to tighten up defensively.