HNL Week 1: Dinamo, Rijeka Find Last Minute Braces; Hajduk Survives Istra

Dinamo vs Osijek (2-0)

Dinamo and Osijek both fought hard for points on Saturday’s season opener at Osijek’s Opus Arena, with Dinamo pulling through in the later minutes of the match with Kulenović and Stojković scoring two late goals in the last 15 minutes of the match. Both Dinamo and Osijek are looking for rebound seasons, after Dinamo slipped up on last seasons HNL trophy for the first time since 2017. Dinamo has taken the message seriously by hitting the transfer market and fielding a brand new squad that fielded an entirely new back four, with Scottish veteran and Premier League player Scott McKenna featuring in Dinamo’s back four. Notably, a new talent, Moris Valinčić, from Istra had a huge impact in the game grabbing himself and assist, while linking up again with winger Mateo Lisica who also joined Dinamo from Istra this summer, creating a lethal attacking duo on Dinamo’s right side. While Osijek still remained stunned after missing out on a European spot for the first time since 2016, this seasons opener wasn’t much of an improvement for an Osijek side that has a giant question mark next to their name. The only major positive note for an Osijek side that missed out on the few chances they did have this match were that new signings, Stanislav Shopov from CSKA Sofia and former Newcastle United U-21 prospect Yannick Toure did perform relatively well. Osijek still enters the season with five of its starters from last year injured, hindering a team that has historically been very hit or miss in HNL campaigns. Dinamo found the back of the net off two low crosses first in the 78th minute that was tapped in by Kulenović and another in the 85th minute scored by Stojković. Dinamo’s revamped squad passed its first test this season at Osijek, and will head into what should be a layup match against newly promoted Vukovar, while Osijek continues its opening season gauntlet facing Dinamo, Rijeka, Varaždin, and Hajduk, by hosting Rijeka next Saturday.

Hajduk vs Istra (2-1)

Hajduk and Istra went back and forth in a thrilling match at Poljud that opened bizarrely with the stadium losing power, delaying the match. After the match got started, most of the first half remained quiet until Hajduk earned a penalty after an Istra player tripped Benrahou in the box. Benrahou stepped up and netted the pen, giving Hajduk the lead going into the break. However, the lead wouldn’t last long with Istra capitalizing and shocking Hajduk just three minutes into the second half after Hajduk made a completely unforced error passing into pressure in their own box allowing Istra’s striker Prevljak to poach the ball and score an equalizer for Istra. Istra was able to hold off Hajduk’s pressure following the goal for most of the second half, until Hajduk found the back of the net in the 85th minute off a header scored by Fran Karačić. Hajduk’s last minute winner allows them start the season perfect at Poljud and hopefully allow the club to continue its goals of pushing for a HNL trophy, one that has been just barely out of reach in the past two seasons.

Rijeka vs Slaven (2-0)

Rijeka snuck out a 2-0 win at home to open their season after last years historic title winning season, dethroning Dinamo Zagreb for the first time in 8 years when their 2017 team completed the same impressive feat. Despite Rijeka’s shaky start Rijeka squeaked out the victory in stoppage time thanks to super sub Šimun Butić’s goal and assist in the 90+3rd and 90+6th minute of the match. Slaven’s defense nearly held off last seasons champions thanks to a stellar performance from their keeper Osman Hadžikić who recorded 6 saves on the night and kept his team in the match until the very end. Rijeka’s bench came through in the match with Ante Matej Jurić coming off the bench and scoring the other goal of the match. Rijeka found their first goal off a corner that was deflected towards the diving head of Butić who’s goal set the Rujevica crowd back to life, then Butić finished off Slaven by firing a cross past Slaven’s last defender and right towards Ante Matej Jurić who volleyed it home for Rijeka to complete the 2-0 victory. Despite defeat, Slaven’s performance still showcased their ability to play their effective defensive minded football that kept them within the hunt for a European spot until the last day of the season. Rijeka will travel to Osijek to face their first major challenge in their road to winning their first back to back HNL title.

Other Results:

Varaždin vs Gorica (1-1)

Lokomotiva vs Vukovar 1-0