HNL Week 15: Hajduk Extends Their Gap, Dinamo And Rijeka Share Points

Hajduk vs Varaždin (3-1)

Mislav Karoglan’s Hajduk squad are continuing their winning ways this week with a 3-1 victory over Varaždin. Hajduk took care of business impressively in their win against Varaždin, who have built a defensive reputation this season. This reputation has been built on the back of a star goalkeeper in Oliver Zelenika. Sunday’s loss was Varaždin’s first since early October. As for Hajduk, Karoglan’s return has reinvigorated the squad. Under his guidance the club was won out since their home defeat to Osijek back in late October. While Rijeka does have a game in hand, Hajduk can start to breathe as they sit top of the league with a five point cushion. In the match with Varaždin, Rokas Pukštas got back on the score sheet to give Hajduk the lead after tapping in a volley near the post. Hajduk responded quickly and grabbed a second three minutes later from Šarlija. Hajduk entered the second half 2-0 and extended it to 3-0 until Varaždin grabbed one back late in the game from a Uremović own goal. Despite conceding three goals, Zelenika shined for Varaždin yet again. He had 9 saves in the match, all of which were saved within the box. While Varaždin did get Michele Šego back from injury, their top scorer in Fran Brodić is still out. This loss is proving tough for Varaždin on the attacking end of the game as prior to this match they had drawn their last three matches in a row. Hajduk’s big win now see them go on a five game winning streak.

Dinamo vs Rijeka (2-2)

Dinamo vs Rijeka was the game to watch for match week 15, and it did not disappoint. This four goal thriller was a battle to the end, and possible foreshadowing to how this years title fight may be too. Both Rijeka and Dinamo went stride for stride in this match producing an entertaining battle. Dinamo struck the first blow just before the first half after passing their away around Rijeka’s defense, ultimately landing at Špikić’s feet where he put it away. Rijeka rallied early in the second half from Lindon Selahi who headed in a free kick. Dinamo seemingly found a late winner in the 80th minute from corner which was almost cleared but, was instead headed in by Dino Perić. While most believed Dinamo had pulled off a major win at Rujevica, Matej Mitrović became the hero Rijeka needed. His leveler came in the dying minutes of the match in the 88th minute of play. With this draw Rijeka hold onto their 2nd place spot while trailing Hajduk with a game in hand. Dinamo remain four points off third and two off fifth.