Kustošija defeated HNK Zadar 3:1 in the Cup's Round of 64 on Monday evening, surviving a late scare after their opponents were reduced to ten men. The hosts took control through two first-half goals before Zadar pulled one back, only for the match to turn when D. Mihaljevic was sent off in the 90th minute.
D. Zabec opened the scoring in the 13th minute, catching Zadar's defence off guard. I. Santini equalised twelve minutes later, but R. Cirino restored Kustošija's lead before the half-hour mark. By then the visitors were chasing the game, and things tightened up as the clock ticked over.
The second half played out with Zadar searching for an equaliser. N. Sunjic converted a penalty in the 90th minute after Mihaljevic's dismissal, and Kustošija sealed the result with a goal in the 90th minute and four seconds before full time. The support of the fans could be called devoted, but that is an assessment, not a fact. The stadium was loud, and the final whistle brought relief rather than celebration.
Kustošija registered seven shots on target against three for Zadar, while possession was split almost evenly at 51 per cent to 49. Shots off target were four to three, and both sides earned three corners. The visitors did win 20 free kicks to 12, but they couldn't convert that territory into meaningful chances.
The victory advances Kustošija in the Cup, while Zadar's campaign ends despite a spirited effort. The hosts have now moved past their recent form, which included a 1:1 draw with Dugopole and a 1:2 loss to Karlovac 1919. Zadar, meanwhile, will reflect on a match they controlled for long periods but could not finish.