February 14, 2022 - The 23rd round of the Croatian First League was held from February 11 to 13, 2022. This round saw Dinamo defeat Gorica in the final minute, while Hajduk's 111th birthday victory pushed them into 3rd place ahead of Rijeka. Here's our HNL round 23 recap.
Šibenik v. Hr. Dragovoljac (0:5)
The 23rd round opened on Friday, February 11, 2022, between Sibenik and Dragovoljac in Sibenik and was perhaps the most shocking game of the round.
The last-placed Dragovolac scored three goals in the first half thanks to Karrica (19'), Bristric (22'), and Majstorovic (45+3'). Galesic opened the second half with an early goal to make it 0:4 in the 49th minute before Frigan scored for 0:5 in the 75th.
Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 23 points, while Dragovoljac is in 10th with 10.
Lokomotiva v. Istra 1961 (1:1)
Lokomotiva and Istra met on Saturday, February 12, 2022, in Zagreb.
While the first half went without goals, Lokomotiva'ss Salihu was booked for a double yellow at the end of the first half, forcing Lokomotiva to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. Drena Beljo put Istra in the lead in the 54th minute for 0:1, though Kulenovic equalized for 1:1 in the 80th minute.
Lokomotiva is currently in 6th place with 28 points, while Istra is in 9th with 22.
Dinamo v. Gorica (2:1)
On Saturday, February 12, 2022, Dinamo and Gorica met at Maksimir stadium.
While the first half went without goals, Ademi put Dinamo ahead in the 55th minute for 1:0. Kalik equalized less than 10 minutes later for 1:1. Finally, Orsic gave Dinamo the victory with a last-minute goal in the 89th for 2:1.
Dinamo is currently in first place with 49 points and a game in hand, while Gorica is in 5th place with 29 points.
Hajduk v. Slaven Belupo (3:1)
Hajduk and Belupo met on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at Poljud stadium. It was also Hajduk's 111th birthday.
Nikola Kalinic made his re-debut for Hajduk on Sunday and played a part in the first goal, which Sahiti scored for 1:0 in the 13th minute. Grgic increased Hajduk's lead to 2:0 in the 26th. Zapata gave Belupo some hope in the 52nd minute with a goal for 2:1, but a double yellow for Bosec 10 minutes later had Belupo playing with a man down for the rest of the match. Livaja scored a penalty in the 71st for the final 3:1.
Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 44 points and a game in hand, while Belupo is in 8th with 23.
Osijek v. Rijeka (1:0)
Osijek and Rijeka closed out the 23rd round with a derby on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
The first half went without goals, and an own goal by Cestic decided the winner in the 85th minute. Rijeka's Abass was booked for his second yellow in the 3rd minute of stoppage time.
Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 46 points, while Rijeka dropped to 4th with 43.
You can see the full HNL standings HERE.
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