NK Uljanik 3-3 Slavonija Pozega: Late Comeback Earns Point in Six-Goal Classic

NK Uljanik 3-3 Slavonija Pozega — A remarkable Croatian Second Football League encounter on September 25, 2026 saw NK Uljanik fight back from two goals down late on to rescue a 3-3 draw against Slavonija Pozega. The visitors had looked set to leave with all three points after taking a 3-1 lead into the closing stages, but Uljanik's persistence produced a dramatic finish.

The draw leaves both clubs with mixed emotions. Slavonija Pozega will feel they should have closed the game out, while Uljanik can take heart from a never-say-die performance that adds another memorable result to their season. In a league where goal difference and momentum matter, this was a night that delivered both in abundance.

Match Overview

Uljanik began brightly and took the lead inside the opening quarter-hour. Their early pressure told when Antonio Babić finished calmly after a flowing move down the right. Slavonija Pozega responded well, though, and equalised through Josip Knežević, who pounced on a loose ball inside the box.

Before half-time, Slavonija turned the game around. Knežević struck again, this time with a well-placed header from a corner, sending the visitors into the break with a 2-1 advantage. The second half continued at a high tempo, with both teams committing numbers forward and leaving space at the back.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Antonio Babić gives Uljanik a 1-0 lead with a low finish into the bottom corner.
• 24th minute: Josip Knežević equalises for Slavonija Pozega after a defensive scramble.
• 41st minute: Knežević scores his second, a header from a corner, making it 2-1 to Slavonija.
• 76th minute: Dario Pavlović extends the lead to 3-1, finishing a fast counter-attack.
• 82nd minute: Uljanik pull one back through substitute Marko Rajković, who drills home from the edge of the area.
• 90+3 minute: Rajković strikes again, converting a cross at the back post to complete a stunning 3-3 comeback.

Tactical Story

Uljanik set up with an aggressive high line and looked to overwhelm Slavonija Pozega in wide areas. That approach created chances but also left them vulnerable to quick breaks, which Slavonija exploited ruthlessly in the first half. The visitors' midfield trio was particularly effective at turning defence into attack.

As the game wore on, Slavonija dropped deeper to protect their lead, inviting pressure. Uljanik switched to a more direct style, pumping crosses into the box and pushing their full-backs high. The decision to introduce Marko Rajković proved decisive, as his fresh legs and sharp movement in the box turned the game on its head.

Standout Players

Josip Knežević was outstanding for Slavonija Pozega, scoring twice and linking play intelligently. Dario Pavlović also impressed with his direct running and composed finish. For Uljanik, Marko Rajković was the hero off the bench, while Antonio Babić provided energy and creativity throughout.

Uljanik's goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the score respectable before the late fightback, and the centre-back pairing grew stronger as the game became a battle of endurance. The match was a showcase of attacking football but also a warning about the dangers of sitting too deep.

Season Impact and Table Context

The point keeps both teams moving in the Croatian Second Football League standings, though each will view the result differently. Slavonija Pozega remain a dangerous attacking side, but dropped points from a winning position could prove costly in the race for promotion or a play-off place. Uljanik, meanwhile, can use the comeback as a platform for confidence.

In the head-to-head record, this 3-3 draw adds another high-scoring chapter. Both clubs will now focus on tightening their defences while maintaining the attacking verve that made this fixture one of the most entertaining results of the round.

Final score: NK Uljanik 3-3 Slavonija Pozega.