February 27, 2023 - The SuperSport HNL 23rd round was played from February 24 to 26, 2023. This round saw Gorica record its first victory in half a year, and their second total this season. Rijeka's winning streak also ended in this round, while Osijek and Hajduk have fallen further away from Dinamo at the top of the standings.
Sibenik v. Istria 1961 (0-0)
Sibenik and Istra opened the 23rd round on Friday, February 24, in Sibenik in front of 511 fans.
The game went without a goal from either side. Sibenik had 40% possession compared to Istra's 60%. Sibenik had three shots on target and nine shots total, while Istra had no shots on target and three total shots.
Sibenik is in 9th place with 20 points, while Istra is in 5th with 31 and a game in hand. Sibenik plays Varazdin next, and Istra plays Rijeka.
Gorica v. Lokomotiva (1-0)
Gorica and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, February 25, in Velika Gorica in front of 806 fans.
Gorica scored first thanks to Juric in the 30th minute though it was called offside after consulting VAR to keep the score even. Fucak got back the goal for Gorica in the 87th minute for the final 1-0. This was Gorica's second win this season. Gorica only had 35% possession during the match, but they had 15 total shots and seven on target. Lokomotiva only had three shots on target.
Gorica is in the last place with 12 points, while Lokomotiva is in 8th with 25. Gorica plays Belupo next, and Lokomotiva plays Hajduk.
Rijeka v. Slaven Belupo (0-1)
Rijeka and Belupo on Saturday, February 25, at Rujevica in front of 3000 fans.
Rijeka was the first to score in the 44th minute, which was called back after consulting VAR. Finally, Crnac scored for 0-1 Belupo in the 85th minute. Belupo only had 35% possession during the match and only one shot on target which they scored. Rijeka had six shots on target and 18 total shots.
Rijeka is in 7th place with 28 points, while Belupo is in 4th with 32. Rijeka plays Istra next, and Belupo plays Gorica.
Dinamo v. Hajduk (4-0)
Dinamo and Hajduk met on Sunday, February 26, for the 'eternal derby' at Maksimir in front of 14010 fans.
Ademi opened Dinamo's scoring spree in the 8th minute for 1-0 before Baturina made it 2-0 two minutes later. After that, it was 3-0, thanks to Ivanusec at halftime. Ivanusec scored the final goal of the match in the 63rd minute. Dinamo had 70% possession during the game, with 14 total shots and five on target. Hajduk was without half of its starters due to injury and illness, with Marko Livaja playing the first half even though he hadn't trained all week. Hajduk also debuted 16-year-old Luka Vuskovic, tying the record for the youngest player to make his HNL debut.
Dinamo is in first place with 55 points and a game in hand, while Hajduk is in 2nd with 44. Dinamo plays Osijek next, and Hajduk plays Lokomotiva.
Osijek v. Varazdin (0-1)
Osijek and Varazdin closed out the 23rd round on Sunday at City Garden Stadium in front of 1007 fans.
The match's only goal came in the 28th minute when Drozdek scored for 0-1. Osijek had 65% possession during the game and three shots on target. Varazdin only had one shot on target which they scored.
Osijek is in 3rd place with 35 points, while Varazdin is in 6th place with 30. Osijek plays Dinamo next, and Varazdin meets Sibenik.
You can check out the HNL table HERE.
To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
