Both teams required a win to keep their hopes alive for advancing to the knockout rounds, but under windy conditions, the first half was far from thrilling as neither side could apply consistent pressure.
After failing to score in their last two matches in this competition, the home side nearly broke their drought when Mario Cuze was set up for a goal, but from a difficult angle, his attempted delicate chip missed the mark, allowing the visitors to clear the ball.
The Swedish team showed no signs of scoring in the first half, yet unexpectedly took the lead shortly before halftime.Mikkel Rygaard created the chance, delivering a beautiful cross to the head of Silas Andersen, who headed the ball past Marin Ljubic in the Zrinjski goal.
That goal energized Häcken, and only the post denied Rygaard from scoring with a fine strike as the visitors sought to extend their lead.
After the break, Hacken dominated the play, coming close to increasing their lead multiple times. Supplied by Rygaard, Simon Gustafson could only shoot wide from inside the box, then Amor Layounihad his overhead kick saved by Ljubic.
Andersen had perhaps the best opportunity, narrowly missing from just a few yards out. At the other end, Nemanja Bilbija failed to control a through ball with only Hacken’s goalkeeper Etrit Berisha to beat.
This was one of the few notable attacks forward, and they appeared unlikely to equalize until the 78th minute. Berisha saved Cuze’s initial shot but only managed to deflect it back into his path, and the Croatian made no mistake on the rebound.
Encouraged by that goal, Zrinjski quickly took command of the match and soon went ahead thanks to a brilliant strike as Bilbija smashed a half-volley from 30 yards that hit the post and went in.
Hacken seemed stunned, and although they needed to respond, they failed to create any significant chances.
The outcome leaves Hacken in a challenging spot with just two points from four games, while Zrinjski now appear fairly secure in the playoff positions and believe reaching the knockout stage is achievable.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Nemanja Bilbija (Zrinjski)
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