ONWARDS TO SECOND PLACE!

Osijek continues a streak of positive outcomes and a victory over Lokomotiva at Gradski Vrt. The important win was cemented in the second half when all three shots led to earned points which catapulted Osijek to 2^nd place. They overtook Rijeka and Hajduk in the race and are currently behind the champion, Dinamo. It’s an important achievement immediately after Lokomotiva’s defeat, who had held their own in the first half but faltered later on and succumbed to Osijek’s supremacy.

Three scores were testament to that supremacy, without a single shot received, all resulting in a similar end result to that in the game against Inter. For the seventh time this season, Osijek landed a bull’s eye, where the goal difference was raised to +10, which is important to mention.

Risky, but Effective

Zekić switched up the formation, gauging that with Barišić’s, Bočkaj’s and Šorša’s absence, the flanks wouldn’t be on par. Therefore, a sacrifice was made in lieu of a 3-4-2-1 formation, which was risky, but effective.

Škorić confirmed that he can play any position, for he’s an all-rounder that every enemy coach will conclude and be wishing for on their own teams. Barać had quite a slew of issues on the left side, nevertheless, he moved from his back position along the touchline.

Lukić performed confidently as center back, even scoring after the mid-match break, when he found himself at the right spot and calmly scored against Šemper the goalkeeper. Mioč performed responsibly (as did Mudražija) because they had to keep pace at their teammate’s backs when they would go forward, just like Jambor in the center, as a defensive midfielder.

Good Play by Players from the Bench

Good play was observed by players that came in hot from the bench. Boban played a vital role against Rijeka at Rujevica, but stayed on the bench because Zekić needed an ace in the hole in case of the enemy defense faltering after minute 60. The robust attacker was a subtle threat with his penetrative playstyle, and skillfully ,and luckily, he assisted Lukić as he struck gold. Marić did well too, being brought in stead of Ejupi. He immediately found himself in situations where he could’ve been the striker, which he finally was in the 80^th minute, using a brilliant pass by Hajradinović.

Marić achieved his first score for Osijek in the League, while Hajradinović made it for the 4^th time, so that he’s the leading scorer for NK Osijek.

He struck blows against Hajduk, Istra (twice) and now Lokomotiva, but what’s primarily expected of him are quality passes, which he indeed had on Saturday night. In any case, we saw a good and efficient Osijek team, adaptable to somewhat strange coach orders. Therefore, the fans gave a standing ovation for our players who, with 3 scores, haven’t given any opportunities at Malenica’s goal.