Vukovar edged out Istra 1961 in a thrilling 3-2 victory at Stadion HNK Cibalia, showcasing drama from the first whistle to the last. Jakov Puljić, who redeemed himself after an early penalty miss, opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a well-taken goal. The match, part of the HNL's 21st round, saw Vukovar take a commanding 3-1 lead before Istra mounted a fierce comeback attempt.

Puljić's Redemption and Early Dominance

Vukovar began aggressively, capitalizing on a 15th-minute goal by Puljić after he initially missed a penalty moments earlier. Despite Istra's greater possession, it was Vukovar's efficiency in the final third that stood out. M. Tadić doubled the lead early in the second half, signaling Vukovar's intent to dominate the proceedings.

Istra's Spirited Fightback

Istra's resolve was tested when D. Maresic netted from the penalty spot in the 56th minute, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The visitors continued to press, keeping Vukovar's defense on their toes. However, a late strike from Lovro Banovec in the 87th minute restored Vukovar's two-goal cushion, only for S. Prevljak to respond instantly, setting up a tense finale.

Tactical Insights and Key Performers

Vukovar's ability to convert chances stood out, with 13 shots on target compared to Istra's four, despite having only 38% possession. Eniss Shabani's commanding performance in duels, winning 8 out of 13, provided stability in midfield. Meanwhile, Istra's Dario Maresic impressed with a player rating of 8, reflecting his efforts to keep his team in contention.

Looking Ahead

Vukovar's latest victory builds on their recent positive form, suggesting a potential rise in the HNL standings. The team, bolstered by standout performances from Puljić and Tadić, will aim to maintain momentum. Istra, on the other hand, will need to regroup, having shown promise but ultimately falling short. Their next fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they can translate possession dominance into points.

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