Jadran Split held onto top spot in the Croatian League after a dramatic 18:15 victory over Jug following a penalty shootout (14:14 in regular time) in Round 13.
In what turned into one of the games of the season, Jadran looked set for a comfortable win before Jug produced a stunning late comeback to force penalties.
The hosts dominated early. After the opening eight minutes, Jadran led 6:3 and quickly extended that advantage in the second quarter, scoring three goals in the first 90 seconds to surge 9:3 ahead. By halftime, the Split side were firmly in control at 10:5, with little sign of what was to come.
Jug responded after the break, tightening defensively and gradually chipping away at the deficit. Still, Jadran appeared in command entering the final period with a 12:8 lead.
When captain Zvonimir Butic converted a penalty to make it 14:9 with just under six minutes remaining, the points looked secure. But that would prove to be Jadran’s final goal of regular time.
Jug’s comeback was sparked by goalkeeper Toni Popadic, who produced a series of key saves down the stretch. The visitors built momentum, and with 40 seconds remaining, Ante Jerkovic reduced the gap to 14:13.
A costly turnover from Jadran in their final possession opened the door, and Jug punished them in the most dramatic fashion. Toni Mozara found the net with just three seconds left on the clock to level the match at 14:14 and send it to a shootout.
In the penalties, Jadran held their nerve. Marko Bijac made two crucial saves, while the home side converted consistently to seal a 4:1 shootout win and secure two valuable points.
The victory also served as revenge for Jadran, who had lost to Jug in a penalty shootout in Dubrovnik just a month ago.
Butic led the scoring for Jadran with four goals, while Dusan Matkovic, Jerko Marinic Kragic, Ivan Domagoj Zovic and Loren Fatovic each added two. For Jug, Ante Jerkovic also scored four, with Maro Jokovic, Vlaho Pavlic and Filip Krzic contributing two apiece.
Elsewhere in the round, Mladost recorded a convincing 20:10 win over Medvescak, while Primorje’s clash with Mornar was postponed.
At the top of the standings, Jadran now sit on 33 points from 12 matches, three clear of both Jug and Mladost, keeping the title race finely poised heading into the final rounds.
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