Croatian First League Playoffs: Istra 1961 Loss Enough to Keep Spot in Top League

August 6, 2020 – For the third year in a row, Istra 1961 has managed to maintain its first league status through additional qualifications and will continue to play in the company of the best next season.

While Istra celebrated 3-0 in the first match at Kantrida Stadium in Rijeka, they lost the return qualifying match to Orijent 0-1 (0-0). Ilicic scored the only goal in the match in the 49th minute. 

As Istra 1961 convincingly won the first duel, it seemed that the return would be just a formality. However, Orijent played a great game in Pula and only needed to better realize their shots for a big turnaround. Already in the first 15 minutes, the guests created two great opportunities, but their inaccuracy and home team goalkeeper Condric kept the score at 0-0.

At the beginning of the second half, Orijent took the lead, and in the 49th minute, stopper Mulac sent a diagonal ball into the penalty area, where Ilicic reacted brilliantly and beat Condric with a first touch shot.

By the end of the match, Orijent had the initiative and several opportunities, of which Maruzina stood out in the 85th minute when Condric saved his strike with the utmost effort, and Fumic’s attempt from the second minute of the referee’s added time, which was stopped by the post.

Recall, in the first round match at Kantrida Stadium in Rijeka, the first two Istra goals in the match were scored by Grzan, in the 8th minute from a penalty kick and the 64th minute, while Maganjic secured the final result in the third minute of added time.

Istra 1961 will play against Hajduk in 10 days in the 1st round of the new season, while Orijent will play against Osijek II in the 1st round of the Second HNL.

Source: HRT

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