Gonzalo García's team entered the encounter full of confidence following victories over Dinamo Zagreb, Ajax, Varaždin and Thun, results that had strengthened their position at the top of the domestic table and boosted their European ambitions. However, despite producing several impressive attacking combinations and scoring one of the most spectacular goals of the Croatian league season, Hajduk failed to protect their lead during the final half-hour.
For Istra, the result represented a valuable point against the league leaders and another demonstration of the team's resilience under head coach Javier Cabello. Although the hosts struggled to contain Hajduk for extended periods, their determination and improved second-half performance ultimately earned them a deserved share of the points.
Fayad Scores Stunning Bicycle Kick
The encounter began at a high tempo, with both teams creating opportunities almost immediately. Istra came close to taking the lead in the opening moments when Emil Frederiksen found space inside the penalty area, but Hajduk defender Dario Marešić produced an important clearance near the goal line. That early warning failed to unsettle the visitors, who responded with an outstanding piece of individual brilliance.
In the seventh minute, Dalisson delivered a corner from the left, and Dennis Hadžikadunić headed the ball back into the centre of the penalty area. Khalil Fayad reacted instinctively, launching himself into the air and connecting with a spectacular overhead kick from close range to send the ball into the net. The Moroccan midfielder's acrobatic finish gave Hajduk a 1–0 advantage and provided one of the most memorable moments of the match.
The goal was Fayad's second in the Croatian league for Hajduk, but undoubtedly his most impressive. It also highlighted the attacking confidence that had characterised the Split club's recent performances, with the visitors showing excellent movement and creativity during the opening stages.
Hajduk continued to threaten after taking the lead, with Šimun Hrgović delivering a dangerous cross towards Michele Šego in the 14th minute. The Croatian forward was unable to convert, sending his effort narrowly wide. Another promising opportunity arrived in the 27th minute when Marin Šotiček created space on the left and forced goalkeeper Franko Kolić into a save, before Istra's defenders blocked Dalisson's attempt from the rebound.
Despite those opportunities, the visitors could not extend their advantage before the interval. Istra attempted to respond through quick transitions and direct attacking play, but Hajduk's defence remained largely organised and prevented the hosts from creating significant pressure on goalkeeper Toni Silić. The first half ended with Hajduk deservedly leading 1–0, although their failure to score a second goal left the contest open.
Šego Doubles the Lead Before Istra Fight Back
Hajduk began the second half with renewed attacking intent, creating opportunities through Šotiček and Sanyang Bamba. The visitors eventually doubled their advantage in the 54th minute when Fayad, already responsible for the opening goal, provided the assist for Michele Šego to finish from close range.
At 2–0, Hajduk appeared to be heading towards their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions. Their attacking play had produced two well-taken goals, while Istra had struggled to establish consistent pressure. However, the momentum of the match began shifting as the hosts increased their intensity and the visitors gradually lost control of midfield.
The turning point arrived in the 66th minute when Hamza Jaganjac reduced the deficit to 2–1. Frederiksen played an important role in the move, creating the opportunity for Jaganjac to finish and give the home supporters renewed hope. The goal transformed the atmosphere at Aldo Drosina Stadium and forced Hajduk into a more defensive approach.
García attempted to respond by introducing fresh players, including Carlos Martín, Gabrić, Leander Dendoncker and Huram, but Istra continued to find space in dangerous areas. The hosts pressed forward with greater confidence, while Hajduk struggled to reproduce the attacking fluidity that had characterised their first-half performance.
Istra's persistence was rewarded in the 81st minute when referee Patrik Kolarić awarded a penalty following a challenge by Gabrić on Nasraoui inside the penalty area. Frederiksen stepped forward and calmly converted the spot kick, bringing the score level at 2–2 and completing the hosts' remarkable comeback.
The closing stages remained intense, with both sides searching for a winning goal. Istra threatened through Jaganjac, while Huram came close to restoring Hajduk's lead with an effort from the edge of the penalty area that narrowly missed the target. However, neither team managed to find a decisive third goal, and the contest ended in a draw after eight minutes of stoppage time.
García Blames Fatigue but Defends His Players
Following the disappointing draw, Hajduk head coach Gonzalo García acknowledged that his team had allowed a promising position to slip away but refused to criticise his players for their effort. The coach, who previously managed Istra 1961, believed Hajduk had controlled the majority of the encounter and created enough opportunities to secure a comfortable victory before the hosts began their comeback.
García explained that his players had looked more likely to score a third goal than concede their first, but Istra's opening goal changed the momentum. He also identified physical fatigue as an important factor, pointing to the demanding schedule that had seen Hajduk compete in both domestic and European competitions during the preceding weeks.
The coach was also questioned about his substitutions, particularly the introduction of Gabrić at right-back and the decision not to use experienced forward Marko Livaja. García explained that Mathieu Acapandie had requested to be replaced, while Dario Marešić experienced muscular discomfort and also needed to leave the pitch. Those enforced changes limited his remaining options and prevented him from introducing Livaja during the closing stages.
Despite the frustration of surrendering a two-goal advantage, García maintained that his team had performed well overall. He acknowledged that Hajduk should have settled the contest while leading 2–0 but insisted that the players had shown enough quality and determination to deserve a more positive outcome.
Istra head coach Javier Cabello, meanwhile, praised his players for their determination and response after falling two goals behind. The Spanish coach acknowledged Hajduk's quality but was particularly pleased with the character demonstrated by his team during the final half-hour. He believed Istra's improved attacking approach created enough opportunities to justify the draw, describing the result as a reward for his players' refusal to surrender.
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Hajduk Remain Top Despite Missed Opportunity
Although the draw ended Hajduk's four-match winning streak, the Split club remain at the top of the Croatian league standings with 23 points from 11 matches. Their advantage over second-placed Dinamo Zagreb stands at four points, although the defending champions have played two matches fewer, making the title race considerably closer than the current table might suggest.
For Hajduk, the result represents a reminder of the challenges involved in competing successfully across multiple competitions. Recent victories against Dinamo, Ajax, Varaždin and Thun had demonstrated the team's attacking quality and growing confidence, but the encounter in Pula exposed the difficulties of maintaining intensity and concentration throughout demanding fixtures.
The draw also highlighted the importance of squad rotation and physical preparation as García attempts to manage a busy schedule. Hajduk's players have demonstrated that they can compete against strong opponents, but the final stages against Istra revealed the potential consequences of fatigue and defensive lapses. Protecting leads and maintaining control when opponents increase their pressure will be essential if the club hopes to sustain its position at the top of the table.
Istra, meanwhile, moved to 13 points and sixth place in the standings, level with Slaven Belupo. The result provides encouragement for Cabello's developing team, which demonstrated considerable resilience against the league leaders and showed that it can compete effectively with Croatia's strongest clubs.
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Hajduk's next domestic challenge will come against Gorica at Poljud Stadium, where García's team will aim to return to winning ways and maintain pressure on their closest title rivals. With European commitments continuing to place demands on the squad, the coaching staff will need to balance recovery, squad management and tactical preparation carefully.
Ultimately, Hajduk's 2–2 draw against Istra 1961 was a missed opportunity rather than a disaster. Fayad's spectacular bicycle kick and Šego's second-half goal should have provided the foundation for another victory, but Istra's determination and Hajduk's inability to maintain control turned a comfortable lead into two dropped points. The Split club remain firmly involved in the title race, but the frustrating conclusion in Pula serves as a reminder that even two-goal advantages can disappear quickly in a competitive championship.
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