Lokomotiva Scores Late Winner to Defeat Istra 3-2 in Season Opener

Lokomotiva Zagreb began the new SuperSport HNL season with a dramatic 3-2 away win over Istra 1961, securing all three points in the 90th minute after a VAR review.

The match at Aldo Drosina Stadium was a high-scoring affair, with Istra's Danish striker Emil Frederiksen netting a brace in the 30th and 58th minutes. For Lokomotiva, goals came from Athanasios Triantafyllou in the 26th minute, Dušan Vuković in the 42nd, and Ivan Katić, who sealed the victory late in the game.

Despite challenging hot conditions, the young Istra team, with an average age of just 21, and the more experienced Lokomotiva delivered an entertaining performance. The statistics showed 33 shots towards goal, with seven on target for Istra and four for Lokomotiva, reflecting the open nature of the game.

Istra's new coach, Javier Cabello, deployed an offensive strategy that led to early chances. However, Lokomotiva took the lead through Triantafyllou's close-range finish. Istra equalized through Frederiksen, and a second goal for Istra by Niko Škafara Žužića was disallowed due to an offside call after a VAR review. Lokomotiva regained the lead before halftime through Vuković, and Katić's late strike ultimately decided the match.