In a thrilling first match of the 21st round of the Croatian Football League, Vukovar 1991, officially hosting at Osijek's Gradski vrt, secured a victory over Istra 1961 with a score of 3-2. Vukovar took the lead in the 16th minute when Jakov Puljić converted a penalty, followed by Mario Tadić extending the lead to 2-0 early in the second half. Istra fought back with Dario Marešić scoring in the 56th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The tension escalated towards the end of the match as Smail Prevljak equalized for Istra in the 85th minute, only for Lovro Banovec to score the decisive goal for Vukovar just two minutes later, clinching a dramatic 3-2 win.

This match marked a significant moment for Vukovar 1991 as it was their first home game of the season played at Osijek, having previously played in Vinkovci during autumn. With this victory, Vukovar has achieved its fourth league win of the season, and notably, this win at home against Istra adds to their previous triumphs against Rijeka, Dinamo, and Varaždin. The atmosphere at the Gradski vrt was electric, showcasing the home fans' support and excitement for the team's performance as they look to build on this momentum in the rest of the season.

On the other hand, Istra 1961 faced a setback, remaining without a win in the current season. Their inability to maintain their advantage and secure points in such a closely contested match puts them in a challenging position as they look to improve their performance in the upcoming games. The match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the teams but also showcased the unpredictability of football, leaving fans on both sides eager for the continuation of the league season.