The Eternal Derby was held on Sunday in front of 31,751 spectators at Poljud.
The biggest derby in Croatian football took place today between Hajduk and Dinamo, which saw the Zagreb club win 2:1 at Poljud. The battle for Croatian champions was ultimately decided tonight - and though Hajduk had a chance to be just two points behind Dinamo in first with a victory, Dinamo’s triumph now brought the race for the title to eight points in the final stretch, reports Gol.hr on April 22, 2018.
Though the Hajduk euphoria permeated throughout Dalmatia, it wasn’t enough to defeat the Zagreb giants. Dinamo played a much more open game, while Hajduk was unable to capitalize on numerous opportunities in the first and second half. The first goal was scored by Dinamo in the 14th minute off a corner kick that found the head of former Rijeka player Mario Gavranović. Dinamo's lead, however, did not last for long. Hajduk was able to equalize just 11 minutes later off a stunning free-kick by Mijo Caktaš, some 25 meters from the goal. The game was 1:1 in the 25th minute.
In the first five minutes of the second half, Hajduk had two brilliant chances to take the lead, but Dinamo keeper Livaković terrifically saved the efforts of Marko Futacs in the 48th and Said in the 50th. The third goal of the match came in the 61st minute when Gavranović took advantage of Said's gift. From an Ante Ćorić corner, Ahmed Said was unable to clear the ball and was punished by Gavranović who scored his second goal of the match.
Until the final minutes, Hajduk continued to pressure, but missed opportunities kept presenting themselves. The game ended 2:1 for Dinamo, who are now 8 points clear in first place of the Croatian First League.
Tears, frustration, and the harsh feeling of defeat filled the sold-out Poljud as the final whistle blew, though Hajduk fans did not stop cheering for their boys in White.
After the match, Hajduk President Ivan Kos and the Supervisory Board announced that they reached an agreement to terminate the president’s contract. Kos will be the president of Hajduk until the election of his successor and will leave Poljud after. The roars for Kos’ departure were already known on Wednesday. It was speculated that Kos had been cozying up with the referees, which does not violate the law; however, the relationship with the referees tampers with the core values of the club.
Another eventful day for Croatian football, the fun doesn't stop here - Dinamo will host Rijeka for the 32nd round next weekend, while Hajduk heads to Koprivnica to face Slaven Belupo.
