Osijek secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over HNK Gorica in the opening fixture of the HNL Regular Season on Saturday evening. The match, played on 1 August 2026, ended with both goals coming in the first half. The result leaves Gorica rooted to the bottom of the table while Osijek move further clear in fourth place.
Ivan Dolcek opened the scoring just seven minutes in, finding the net with a well-taken finish. The early goal shifted the momentum immediately, and Gorica had little time to settle into their game. To be fair, they tried to respond but Osijek's defence held firm.
And here's the thing — the second goal came via penalty fourteen minutes after the start. Nail Omerovic stepped up to convert from the spot, extending Osijek's lead before the break. Gorica's defence looked disorganised, and it cost them dearly by then.
Osijek dominated the statistical battle with 54 per cent possession compared to 46. They registered eight shots on target against four, and created five big chances to Gorica's three. The visitors made more key passes — 23 to seven — and their shots accuracy sat at 30 per cent, though they wasted plenty of opportunities.
Gorica remain winless after six games, sitting tenth with just one point from a draw and five defeats. Osijek, meanwhile, have four wins from six matches and sit four points clear of the drop zone. The ground out the win with efficiency, even if they did not always look convincing.