The 9th round of the Croatian First League was held from September 29 to October 1, 2018.
We’re already at the 9th round of the Croatian First League, which has also crossed over into a new month. It was a mostly uneventful weekend on the pitch, even though the world-famous ‘Eternal Derby’ between Hajduk and Dinamo was played at Poljud for the rival’s first meeting of the new season.
The spectacle went mostly without incident, though a local firefighter’s hand was severely injured during Torcida’s firework display, and a stone launched by a fan hit the head of Hajduk’s Adam Gyurcso in the 90th minute, which sent him off the pitch. Hajduk still awaits what we believe will be a hefty punishment.
Without further ado, here’s a look at what went down in the 9th round.
Hajduk v. Dinamo (0:0)
Hajduk and Dinamo met in the 'Eternal Derby' to kick off the 9th round of the Croatian First League on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at Poljud in front of over 21,000 fans.
It was a derby many of us will quickly forget, as both teams held their own and looked to be playing for a draw. Neither team had a decent shot on goal, and neither goalkeeper had to flinch. The game ended 0:0.
Hajduk is currently in 6th place with 11 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 21 points.
Inter Zaprešić v. Osijek (0:3)
Inter and Osijek met in Zaprešić on Saturday, September 29, 2018, for their 9th round match.
While it was an unexciting first half which saw no goals and two yellow cards to each side, the second half saw all the action.
Osijek’s Marić scored in the 67th minute, followed by a goal by Bočkaj in the 72nd to give Osijek the 0:2 lead. Boban ended the scoring series in the 88th minute for 0:3.
Inter is currently in 9th place with 7 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 17.
Gorica v. Lokomotiva (0:3)
Gorica and Lokomotiva met in Gorica on Sunday, September 30, 2018.
The first half was quiet until Lokomotiva’s Kastrati opened the scoring in the 42nd minute for 0:1 at the half. Uzini scored in the 70th for 0:2, and Halilović finished it off in the 81st for 0:3.
Gorica is currently in 5th place with 13 points, while Lokomotiva is in 2nd with 19.
Rijeka v. Slaven Belupo (0:0)
Rijeka and Slaven Belupo met at Rujevica on Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Yet another uneventful game over the weekend, Rijeka and Belupo both failed to get a goal, leaving the game scoreless at 0:0.
Will Rijeka coach Matjaž Kek be getting the boot, soon?
Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 14 points, while Belupo is in 7th place with 9.
Rudeš v. Istra 1961 (0:3)
Rudeš and Istra played the final game of the 9th round on Monday, October 1, 2018, at Kranjčevićeva.
Istra kicked off the scoring in the 22nd minute with a goal by Grujević, which was followed by a goal by Mierez in the 42nd for 0:2 at the half. Rudeš was unable to come back to score, and a penalty for Istra in the 92nd minute made the game 0:3 after Regan hit the back of the net.
Rudeš is currently in the last place with 2 points, while Istra is in 8th with 8.
