NK Varaždin and Osijek shared the points in a goalless SuperSport HNL encounter. The match at Stadion Anđelko Herjavec finished 0-0, a result that ensures Hajduk Split remain top of the league at least until their Sunday derby with Rijeka.
The team from Varaždin came into this fixture sitting third in the table with 15 points from eight games. They pressed high and aggressively in the first half but failed to create clear-cut chances. Luka Mamić shot straight into the hands of goalkeeper Malenica, while Canjuga fired wide from inside the box. Novak Tepšić and Maglica were not dangerous from corners.
Osijek had the better opportunities in the first period, and in the 42nd minute young Izak Ježić scored from a scramble in the box. VAR, however, ruled it out for handball. "He scored after a scramble in the box, but then the VAR room intervened and the goal was disallowed for handball," Ježić said. In the 86th minute, Domagoj Bukvić fired a spectacular left-footed strike from over 20 meters, but that goal was also chalked off for an offside by Armand Leon. "He struck it with his left foot from more than 20 meters." Bukvić stated.
In the closing minutes, Osijek threatened again. Luka Tunjić hit the post from distance, and substitute Cantero shot straight at Silić. For Varaždin, the last chance fell to Duraković, whose shot was blocked by Kruiver. Referee Ante Čulina from Zagreb added six minutes of injury time, during which Varaždin goalkeeper Josip Silić required medical attention after a knock but was able to continue.
The draw extends Varaždin's unbeaten run to five matches, with two wins and three draws in that spell. They currently sit third, just one point behind leaders Hajduk. The team's top scorer this season is I. Canjuga with three goals in seven appearances. Their next challenge is an away trip to face seventh-placed Lokomotiva Zagreb on October 10th.
Read the full report at Index.hr Sport
