In an intense match of the SuperSport HNL between Vukovar and Istra, taking place in Osijek at the Gradski vrt stadium, Istra's Marešić scored a panenka penalty to bring his team closer to Vukovar. Vukovar entered the game at the bottom of the league table, with just two points behind second-last Osijek, while Istra was in third place, aiming to close the gap on Hajduk with a potential victory. The match saw various attempts on goal, highlighted by Marešić's clever execution of the penalty after a handball was called against Vukovar.

Despite Istra's strong position in the league, they faced a fierce challenge from Vukovar, who, after scoring an early lead, managed to defend their goal against multiple attempts from Istra players. Notable moments included several good saves from Vukovar's goalkeeper, Kolić, preserving their advantage. Meanwhile, Istra responded positively after conceding a goal and pushed hard to reclaim control of the match, showcasing their determination to improve their standing in the league.

As the game progressed, Istra needed to maintain pressure on Vukovar to secure a vital win. The atmosphere in the stadium was charged, as fans witnessed crucial plays, including yellow cards and near misses, further intensifying the competition. With Marešić's goal, the momentum seemed to shift towards Istra, signaling their resilient spirit and intention to rise in the league rankings, making this match pivotal for both teams in their respective goals for the season.