The match week started off on Friday with an exciting draw earned by Slaven Belupo. HNK Šibenik went up 2-0 before the break, only to allow two goals in quick succession upon the restart. Slaven’s Torless Knoll and Miroslav Illičić scored in the 43rd and 44th minutes to bring the match to a draw. Neither team were able to find the game winner and split the points in Koprivnica.
HNK Gorica also continued their efforts to remain in the top three with a convincing 3-0 win over the struggling Lokomotiva on Saturday at Kranjčevićeva. Matthew Steenvoorden kicked the scoring off in the 10th minute, followed by late game goals by Matar Dieye and Josip Mitrović. Gorica sit comfortable in third place, five points behind Dinamo and Osijek.
Varaždin completed the minimum needed to take three points away from a trip to Pula, winning 1-0 over Istra thanks to a goal from Matej Senić. Varaždin made it difficult for themselves after one of their own, Marko Stolnik, was sent off in the 58th minute, but were able to stave off the pressure from Istra and saw the match end in their favor.
The marquee matchup this weekend took place on Sunday where Osijek hosted Rijeka. Ramon Mierez scored in the 25th and 69th minute for Osijek while the defense kept Rijeka’s attack at bay.
Though Nednad Bjelica claims to be quite pleased with the result, Rijeka staff and players will be asking questions regarding Rijeka’s goalkeeper, who was shaky at times and was directly at fault for one of Osijek’s goals.
Osijek are currently in second place, but are tied on points with league-leaders, Dinamo, who have also played one fewer match than Osijek. Rijeka are fourth place, six points above Hajduk but are looking up at Gorica, who are 11 points ahead.
The match between Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split has been postponed to a later date.
@ Boris
His ball handling is weak and is shooting is mediocre.
He relied on his athleticism in his late teens.
Not going to even get into the scrub attitude.
He is the anti-Dončić.
Real Madrid > farca again!!
Svircic interview showed it all.
Sramota.
Hezonja has twice the talent of saric and bojan but a small fraction of their Court awareness,intelligence and instincts.
He really disappointed me.I actually thought he was going to ball.
I guess those 23 champions are gonna have to wait.
Mario Hezonja officially moves to Panathinaikos for remainder of season.
Ivan Perisic: Game Changer
In the build-up to Inter v Lazio, much was made of the threat posed by Manuel Lazzari down the right-hand side for the Biancocelesti. Instead, Ivan Perisic put in a top defensive performance that was key to Inter’s dominance. However, the solidity came at a price, as Perisic was unable to offer much of a threat going forward. Against Milan, however, we saw Perisic’s best performance in an Inter shirt for many years. The Croatian was a constant threat against Calabria and was unlucky not to get a goal to add to his assist.
Perišić is the goods.
Bundesliga – CL – Serie A – Euros ??
Rijeka have laid a complete egg the last 3-4 matchdays. When they had some good form and games at hand, they had a legit shot to catch Gorica, at the very least. Forget about it, at this point. They’ve played with their heads in their asses and rightfully deserve 4th.