The second half of the season of the Croatian First League began over the weekend after the final games of the first half finished in December last year.
It has been a long winter without the likes of Dinamo, Hajduk, and Rijeka playing across our television screens every weekend, but after a much needed holiday break, the league is back and more exciting than ever.
Although many players transferred to new clubs during this winter period, leaving Rijeka with an almost completely new team, the First League looks like it has come back stronger than before, and we’re not having a hard time welcoming the new faces, too.
Without further ado, here is our round 21 recap for the Croatian First League, played from February 9 to 11, 2018.
Inter Zaprešić v. Slaven Belupo (0:0)
Inter and Belupo met on Friday, February 9, 2018, in Zagreb.
The opening match of the second half of the season was played between Inter and Belupo, who fought it out in the thick mud and almost unbearable conditions in Zagreb. Though both teams had opportunities, neither was able to score. The game ended in a 0:0 draw.
Inter is currently in 5th place with 27 points while Belupo is in 7th with 22.
Rijeka v. Istra 1961 (4:0)
Rijeka and Istra met at Rujevica for the second match of the weekend on February 10, 2018.
Istra’s struggles in the Croatian First League have been highlighted in more ways than one, and this beating from Rijeka is just another notch on their belt. Rijeka scored first in the 33rd minute with a goal from Puljić to make the game 1:0 at the half. In the second half, Rijeka saw goals by Colak, Crnić, and Žuta for a final score of 4:0.
Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 38 points while Istra is in 8th with 17.
Osijek v. Dinamo (2:4)
Osijek and Dinamo met for the highly anticipated match of the new season at City Garden Stadium on February 10, 2018.
The first half saw two goals by Dinamo, with Soudani finding the back of the net in the 15th minute and Ademi scoring in the 38th for 0:2 at the half.
After Olmo scored for 0:3 in the 57th minute and Ademi scored a second in the 68th, it was looking like a blowout for Osijek was certainly in the cards. Osijek, however, came back with to goals in three minutes by Grezda and Boban for the final score of 2:4.
Osijek is currently in 4th place with 36 points while Dinamo is in first with 53.
Cibalia v. Hajduk (0:5)
Cibalia and Hajduk met in Vinkovci on Sunday, February 11, 2018.
Though the game was only 0:1 at the half after Said nailed the back of the net to bring Hajduk in the lead, the second half saw some of the better goals the Split side has scored this season. Hajduk returnee Caktaš scored in the 60th and 61st minute for 0:3, Fomitschow scored in the 69th for 0:4, and a brilliant effort by Ohandza made the game 0:5.
Hajduk is currently in 2nd place with 41 points while Cibalia is in 9th with 17.
Lokomotiva Zagreb v. Rudeš ( 2:2)
Lokomotiva and Rudeš met for the final match of the 21st round in Zagreb on February 11, 2018.
It was Lokomotiva to take the lead in the first half with a goal by Krajinović in the 31st minute. 1:0 at the half, Rudeš equalized in the 51st minute with a goal by Lulić, and another goal by Budimir made the game 1:2 in the 79th minute. Lokomotiva’s star Majer came back to save the day in the 89th minute, leaving the game in a 2:2 draw.
Lokomotiva is currently in 6th place with 24 points while Rudeš is in last with 13.
