So far this season, only two teams have lead the league, Osijek for two weeks and Hajduk the rest. With Rijeka’s victory over Hajduk this weekend, the league seems to be morphing into 3-team race as the season unfolds. With more shock wins in the lower half of the table, it seems some clubs are able to learn more from their first encounters with each other than others.
Rijeka vs. Hajduk (1-0)
Following the Jadranski Derby between Hajduk and Rijeka Saturday, Hajduk’s high of their defeat over Dinamo quickly disappeared after their 1-0 loss to Rijeka at the Rujevica. While most people talked about Hajduk’s possible end to the title drought or if Dinamo could hold onto their dominance within the league, Rijeka waited and bided their time staying right behind the aforementioned clubs. But the waiting time is over as Saturday’s derby win saw Rijeka rise to the summit and take their spot as league leaders. Niko Janković scored the loan goal for Rijeka from the penalty spot. Rijeka was awarded a penalty in the 60th minute as Hajduk midfielder Krovinović was spotted with a handball. Rijeka played far better than in their initial matchup with Hajduk where they only had one shot the entire match. In the replay, Rijeka had other opportunities this time around. Most notably, a shot from PaÅ¡alić which hit the post. With their 1-0 victory, Rijeka will take their momentum into the next round when they take on Istra. Hajduk will face Osijek in another pivotal first half of the season match.
Dinamo vs Istra (3-0)
Dinamo bounced back with ease from their defeat last week against Hajduk. Dinamo hosted Istra at Maksimir in front of 5,000+ fans. Dinamo faced little difficulties from the Pula-based club pulling them apart 3-0. Both Mauro Perković and Maxime Bernauer grabbed their first career goals for Dinamo. Danijel Zagorac also got the start for Dinamo despite receiving little minutes in the past few seasons. Despite this, Zagorac kept the clean sheet, albeit Istra’s two low-quality shots. Dinamo’s ability to balance both European and HNL matches, while relying on rotation players in more games, is a risk that has been paying off. Dinamo continue to win out their games against the “little guys” all while maintaining a busy schedule. With an international break this week, Dinamo can take a deep breath and give some much needed rest to their squad. As for Istra, disappointment still fills the air in Pula as last season’s league run seems to be all but a distant memory. Their defeat to Dinamo places them in a crossroad, five points from the midtable battle above them but only six points from the deadly relegation zone below them. The upcoming performances of Istra may point to which direction the club is heading in the ever-so dangerous HNL.
Osijek vs Rudeš (3-0)
Osijek have finally snapped their run of bad from in a commanding 3-0 demolition of RudeÅ¡. After Osijek’s slip up defeat against Dinamo, a game in which they were winning 2-0, they have hardly looked the same. Osijek had only scored two goals following that match. While Osijek did play ‘the punching bag of the league’ RudeÅ¡, they still capped an excellent display at the Opus Arena. Osijek’s goal scorers were Mierez, NejaÅ¡mić and Fiolić. Osijek also recorded a clean sheet for the first time since their match against Gorica in August. RudeÅ¡ on the other hand are continuing their downward spiral, having conceded 28 goals from 11 games. Osijek however will need to see if they can extend their form to the next match as they play Hajduk. Osijek are currently the only top-4 side to not get a point against another top-4 club. Osijek will travel to Poljud looking for much needed “major” victory in their campaign. Should the Bijelo-Plavi be successful, their dignity this season could be salvaged as they look to rejoin the other clubs in their hunt for Europe.
Gorica vs Lokomotiva (1-1)
While this match was closely contended and hard fought, it will only be talked about foe one thing. VAR controversy struck when Gorica were denied a winner due to incorrect lines drawn in determining if Sven Blummel’s goal was onside. Due to this error, Gorica were denied what would have ended up being the match winner. Lokomotiva did strike first through a goal from Indrit Tuci. Tim Matavž grabbed his first goal this season to level Gorica off. Despite being denied their win, Gorica still sit 4th with a one point advantage over Osijek. The Lokosi sit 7th right in the mix of the midtable drama as they are three points off 4th and one away from 8th.
Slaven vs Varaždin (3-2)
Slaven Belupo put up a promising 3-goal display against an in-form Varaždin team on Friday. Despite seeing Adrian Liber sent off with a red card, 10-man Slaven were able to rally and find a winner. What makes the win even more impressive for the Koprivnica club is that this is their second time scoring three goals in a match; the other against a much weaker Rudeš side. As for Varaždin, this loss can be seen as a major disappointment as a win would have seen them jump into a 4th place spot. This comes off their excellent run of form, getting a win against Gorica and a draw in Osijek. But the Farmaceuti are starting an impressive run of their own now. They have got back-to-back wins against Osijek and Varaždin, clubs that normally are not winnable games for them. It seems feeling the heat of tipping into the danger zone near relegation was enough to snap Slaven into a 2-game winning streak. With Rudeš next match, Slaven seem very poised to continue their new streak and create the ever needed separation between themselves and the drop.
Hajduk had such a great start. Since Pukstas left due to injury, seems like Hajduk has been struggling to score points.