Istra 1961 rallies from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Hajduk

Hajduk Split let a 2-0 lead slip against Istra 1961 in a Croatian league match in Pula.

Khalil Fayad scored in the seventh minute, and captain Michele Šego made it 2-0 in the 54th.

Istra responded through Hamza Jaganjac in the 66th minute, then Emil Frederiksen converted a penalty in the 81st.

The 2-2 draw ended Hajduk’s winning run, though the club remained top of the league with 23 points.

Istra moved to sixth place with 13 points, level with Slaven Belupo.

Hajduk defender Dario Marešić said his team had controlled much of the match but was shaken by Istra’s first goal.

He left the game with a bruise and said he hoped it was not serious; a medical examination was due the next day.

Hajduk’s next match is against Gorica, and Marešić said the team would aim to turn its strong periods into a full-match performance.