Vukovar fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against NK Slaven Belupo in an engaging HNL encounter at the Stadion Gradski vrt. Despite trailing 2-1 at halftime, Jakov Puljić's precision from the penalty spot twice kept the hosts in the game, with his goals arriving in the 41st and 82nd minutes, ensuring a fiercely contested share of the points.

Early Strikes Set the Stage

The match burst into life early on when Leonard Žuta opened the scoring for Slaven Belupo in the 11th minute, assisted by Ljuban Crepulja. Vukovar struggled to contain the visitors initially, and Josip Mitrović doubled their advantage in the 36th minute. However, a lifeline was thrown to the home side when Puljić converted his first penalty just before halftime, stemming the tide of Slaven’s early dominance.

Puljić's Second Penalty Evens the Score

The second half saw tactical adjustments from Vukovar, including key substitutions that injected fresh energy into their play. With the home side commanding 60% possession, their persistence paid off when Puljić earned and scored a second penalty in the 82nd minute, expertly leveling the match. Despite a late push from both sides, the defenses held firm, resulting in a draw that highlighted Vukovar's resilience.

Statistical Face-off

Vukovar's dominance in possession and passing accuracy (76%) contrasted with Slaven Belupo's more direct approach. While both teams registered three shots on target, it was Vukovar's ability to draw fouls and capitalize on set-pieces that kept them competitive.

Looking Ahead

Vukovar remains in a promising phase, with recent performances showcasing their offensive flexibility, especially through Puljić's impact. Their ability to rally from behind reveals a squad with depth and character as they continue their campaign. Meanwhile, Slaven Belupo will aim to sharpen their defensive setups for upcoming fixtures, seeking to convert draws into victories.

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