HAJDUK SPLIT – ZIRA 2:1 (Krovinović 19′, Benrahou 90’+4’/Djibrilla 90’+3′)

Hajduk Split: Ivušić – Karačić, Mlačić (Diallo 63′), Šarlija, Hrgović (Melnjak 112′) – Kalik (Šego 84′), Pajaziti, Krovinović (Benrahou 84′) – Brajković (Durdov 72′), Livaja, Skoko (Sigur 71′)

Zira: T. Silva – Aliyev, Acka, R. Renato, Djibrilla – Guima, Ibrahimli (Papunashvili G. 58′), Gomis (Alicanov 106′) – Muradov (Volkovi 46′), Batibie (Bogomolskiy 73′, Hajiyev 100′), J. Maranhao (Nuriyev 84′)

Hajduk had a 1-0 lead at halftime in their home match against Zira. The key moment of the first half came in the 19th minute when Krovinović scored a goal assisted by Livaja, who skillfully broke through the opposing defense. After the goal, Hajduk took control and became increasingly dangerous towards the end of the half, mainly through Livaja and Veljko Hrgović. Zira was primarily a threat through long-range attempts and occasional counterattacks, but the home defense successfully neutralized their threats.

Several chances were created near both goals before halftime – Brajković and Livaja consistently pressured the opponents. At the same time, the visitors tried to respond a few times but failed to create clear scoring opportunities. The game was dynamic, and the atmosphere at Poljud was extremely intense, with a large crowd in the stands. The halftime ended with Hajduk leading 1-0, providing the “Bili” (the Whites) with composure going into the second half.

The second half started very dynamically. In the 47th minute, the referee awarded a foul against Mlačić on the edge of the penalty area. Still, the penalty kick was not converted thanks to a brilliant save by goalkeeper Ivušić. In the 54th minute, Šarlija hit the post after a cross from Skoko, while Brajković’s attempt was saved by Zira’s goalkeeper Silva.

The atmosphere at Poljud became tense in the 56th minute when the home fans protested vehemently over a perceived penalty on Livaja, while Mlačić received a yellow card for the foul. Hajduk continued to press and create chances but failed to extend their lead.

In stoppage time, Zira managed to equalize, unpredictably restoring hope for the visitors. It was a crucial moment that raised tensions to the maximum and completely changed the course of the match in the final seconds.

Despite the pressure, Hajduk was unable to respond after conceding so late, and the match ended in a draw, forcing it into extra time.

The extra time began, and Hajduk took advantage of having a numerical superiority on the field already in the 4th minute. They took the lead with a goal by Benrahou from a free kick, who struck the ball with precision into the net. During the remainder of the first extra period, the visitors’ weakness due to being a man down was felt, which the home team used to create several good chances, though they failed to increase their lead.

The second extra period did not bring much excitement, except for one notable attempt by Marko Livaja who shot on target, but the ball flew over the goal. The hosts tried to break through the resilient Zira defense by attacking down the flanks, but the visitors defended well and did not allow any change in the score.