February 9, 2021 - The 20th round of the Croatian First League was held from February 6 to 8, 2021. Osijek tops Hajduk in this round, and Dinamo narrowly defeats Istra to remain in first place thanks to a better goal differential. 

Osijek v. Hajduk (2:0)

Osijek and Hajduk opened the 20th round at City Garden Stadium on Saturday, February 6, 2021. 

While the first half went without goals, a Hajduk red card for Mujakic in the 51st minute significantly changed the game, and Osijek's Kleinheisler scored for 1:0 in the 59th minute. Mierez increased Osijek's lead in the 89th minute for 2:0, which was the final score of the match. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 45 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 23.  

Lokomotiva v. Rijeka (2:3)

Lokomotiva and Rijeka met in Zagreb on Saturday, February 6, 2021. 

Lokomotiva was the first to score with a goal by Kallaku in the 11th minute. Pivaric increased Lokomotiva's lead to 2:0 from a penalty in the 56th minute. A red card for Cipetic began Lokomotiva's decline, and a penalty from Muric made it 2:1 in the 71st. Another penalty for Muric gave Rijeka the equalizer in the first minute of added time (90+1'), and Kulenovic scored two minutes later for the Rijeka win. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 9th place with 15 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 30. 

Sibenik v. Varazdin (0:0)

Sibenik and Varazdin met on Sunday, February 7, 2021, in Sibenik. 

The match ended without goals.

Sibenik is currently in 6th place with 21 points, while Varazdin is in 8th with 19. 

Istra 1961 v. Dinamo (0:1)

Istra and Dinamo met on Sunday, February 7, 2021, in Pula. 

The only goal of the match came in the 36th minute when Atiemwen scored for 0:1, which was the final result. 

Istra is currently in last place with 13 points, while Dinamo is in first place with 45. 

Slaven Belupo v. Gorica (0:1) 

Slaven Belupo and Gorica closed out the 20th round on Monday, February 9, 2021, in Koprivnica. 

The only goal of the match came in the 59th minute when Lovric scored for the 0:1 win. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 20 points, while Gorica is in 3rd with 36. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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February 4, 2021 - The 19th round of the Croatian First League was held mid-week, on February 2 and 3, 2021. In this round, Hajduk tops Istra, and Osijek records a 3:0 win against Slaven Belupo.

Osijek v. Slaven Belupo (3:0)

Osijek and Belupo opened the 19th round at City Garden Stadium on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

Brlek opened the scoring spree for Osijek with a goal just before the whistle blew for halftime (45+3'). A quick goal to start the second half by Zaper made it 2:0 in the 52nd minute, and 3:0 in the 55th minute thanks to Bohar. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 42 points, while Belupo is in 6th place with 20. 

Dinamo v. Lokomotiva (2:0)

Dinamo and Lokomotiva met for the Zagreb derby on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Masksimir Stadium. 

Gavranovic scored an early goal for Dinamo in the 9th minute for the 1:0 lead, which was the score at the half. Atiemwen increased Dinamo's lead to 2:0 in the 64th minute, which was the final result.

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 42 points, while Lokomotiva is in 9th with 15. 

Varazdin v. Gorica (2:1)

Varazdin and Gorica met in Varazdin on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. 

While Gorica had the lead going into the first half thanks to a goal by Lovric (0:1), Obregon equalized for Varazdin in the 76th minute, and in the 90th minute, Boban gave Varazdin the lead and ultimately the 2:1 win.

Varazdin is currently in 8th place with 18 points, while Gorica is in 3rd with 33. 

Rijeka v. Sibenik (2:2)

Rijeka and Sibenik met at Rujevica Stadium on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. 

Sibenik shocked Rijeka with two goals in the 27th and 32nd minutes by Sahiti and Juric. Pavicic scored for Rijeka in the 35th to make it 1:2. 

It was until the final minutes of the match when VAR ultimately ruled in Rijeka's favor, and after an 11-minute ordeal, Rijeka was awarded a penalty, which Andrijasevic scored for 2:2 (90+10'). 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 27 points, while Sibenik is in 7th with 20. 

Hajduk v. Istra 1961 (1:0)

Hajduk and Istra closed out the 19th round at Poljud Stadium on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. 

The only goal of the game came in the 16th minute when Nayir scored for Hajduk. The same player, unfortunately, missed a penalty 10 minutes later to increase Hajduk's lead. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 23 points, while Istra is in the last place with 13. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.  

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February 1, 2021 - The 18th round of the Croatian First League was held from January 29 to 31, 2021. This round saw Dinamo, Hajduk, and Rijeka all record losses, while Sibenik, Lokomitva, and Gorica celebrated. 

Slaven Belupo v. Varazdin (2:0)

Belupo and Varazdin opened the 18th round on Friday, January 29, 2021, in Koprivnica. 

Galvcic scored the first goal for Belupo in the 15th minute for the 1:0 lead. Knoll increased Belupo's lead just before halftime for 2:0, which was the final result of the match. 

Belupo is currently in 5th place with 20 points, while Varzdin is in 8th place with 15 points. 

Osijek v. Istra 1961 (1:0)

Osijek and Istra met at City Garden Stadium on Saturday, January 30, 2021. 

Mierez scored the only goal for Osijek in the 30th minute, which was the final score of the match. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 39 points, while Istra is in the last place with 13 points. 

Dinamo v. Sibenik (1:2)

Dinamo and Sibenik met at Maksimir Stadium on Saturday, January 30, 2021. 

Sahiti put Sibenik in the lead for 0:1 in the 13th minute. Dinamo's Atiemwen equalized for 1:1 less than 10 minutes later. Juric put Sibenik back in the lead for 1:2 in the 65th minute, which was the final result. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 39 points, while Sibenik is in 7th with 19. 

Hajduk v. Lokomotiva (0:1)

Hajduk and Lokomotiva met at Poljud on Saturday, January 30, 2021. 

The only goal of the game came in the 4th minute - Petrak scored for the Lokomotiva win. Hajduk captain Mijo Caktas missed a penalty in the 50th to equalize. 

Hajduk is currently in 6th place with 20 points, while Lokomotiva is in 9th with 15. 

Rijeka v. Gorica (0:2)

Rijeka and Gorica closed out the 18th round on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Rujevica Stadium.

An own goal by Andrijasevic put Gorica ahead in the 27th minute. Lovric increased Gorica's lead to 0:2 at the half. The match ended with a red card for Rijeka's Capan and Gorica's Moro in the 4th minute of added time (90+4').

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 26 points, while Gorica is in 3rd with 33. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.  

January 25, 2021 - The 17th round of the Croatian First League was held from January 22 to 24, 2021. This round saw wins for Osijek, Dinamo, and Hajduk, while Rijeka suffered a surprising loss to Varazdin.  

Lokomotiva v. Osijek (0:3)

Lokomotiva and Osijek opened the 17th round on Friday, January 22, 2021, in Zagreb.  

Osijek’s Mierez scored two goals in the first half - the first in the 18th minute, followed by a penalty in the 35th minute for 0:2 at the half. 

A red card for Papadopoulos saw Lokomotiva play with 10 men from the 48th minute, and Bohar scored for Osijek 10 minutes later for the final score of 0:3. 

Lokomotiva is currently in the last place with 12 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 36. 

Sibenik v Hajduk (0:1)

Sibenik and Hajduk met on Friday, January 22, 2021, in Sibenik.

While the first half went without goals, Teklic scored for Hajduk in the 62nd minute. Caktas missed a penalty to increase Hajduk’s lead in the final minutes (90+3’), and the match ended 0:1.

Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 13 points, while Hajduk is in 5th place with 20. 

Varazdin v. Rijeka (2:1)

Varazdin and Rijeka met on Saturday, January 23, 2021, in Varazdin. 

Urata scored an early goal for Varazdin for 1:0 in the 3rd minute. Obregon increased Varazdin’s lead to 2:0 at the half. Kulenovic slightly reduced Varazdin’s lead with a goal for Rijeka in the 80th minute. The game ended at 2:1. 

Varazdin is in 7th place with 15 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 23. 

Gorica v. Dinamo (3:4)

Gorica and Dinamo met on Saturday, January 23, 2021, in Velika Gorica. 

Dieye scored Gorica’s first goal for 1:0 in the 11th minute, while Ivanusec equalized in the 34th for 1:1. Orsic scored for the Dinamo lead seven minutes later for 1:2, and just two minutes after that, Gorica’s Lovric equalized for 2:2 at the half. 

Spikic made it 3:2 for Gorica in the 61st minute, and a Petkovic penalty saw Dinamo equalize again in the 89th minute. Theophile-Catherine scored in the 5th minute of added time for the 3:4 Dinamo win. 

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 30 points, while Dinamo is in first with 36. 

Istra 1961 v. Slaven Belupo (2:1)

Istria and Belupo closed out the 17th round in Pula on Sunday, January 24, 2021. 

Glavcic put Belupo in the lead in the 10th minute, which was the result going into halftime. Spoljaric equalized thanks to a penalty in the 81st minute for 1:1, before scoring again in the first minute of added time for the 2:1 Istra win. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 13 points, while Belupo is in 6th place with 17.  

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

January 17, 2021 - The football world has come together from near and far to help in the aftermath of the Petrinja earthquake, as Manchester United donates EUR 10,000 to Petrinja through the Dinamo Foundation 'No Surrender'. 

On January 14, Croatian champion Dinamo fulfilled its promise in delivering ten fully equipped and furnished containers with eight toilets to the village of Pecki, about 15 kilometers from Petrinja.

This is a continuation of the Dinamo Foundation's 'No Surrender' action, which began on December 30, the day after the earthquake in Sisak-Moslavina County. The next day, the club, led by the coach of the first team Zoran Mamic, brought the collected donations to the village of Pecki, where most houses were partially or entirely destroyed. 

Another 27 sets of work clothes and rubber boots will arrive in the village of 100 inhabitants, which was also severely affected by the Homeland War.

Pecki was visited by representatives of the 'No Surrender' Foundation, including the Dinamo Management Board, represented by President Vlatka Peras, the first team by coach Zoran Mamic, and numerous players led by captain Arijan Ademi.

"I thank all our fans and citizens who made purchasing these containers possible with their donations to the foundation, and I invite all of them to continue donating to the foundation with us because this area will still need help," said Dinamo captain Arijan Ademi, while coach Zoran Mamic added:

"The history of this village, the Homeland War, the first line of defense. This gives another special motive to do our best to help these people as soon as possible and as efficiently and generously as possible."

Manchester United also took part with a donation
The Manchester United Foundation even joined the Zagreb club with a donation of EUR 10,000, while the Scottish giant Celtic and numerous Italian and German clubs also came forward. To date, more than HRK 667,000 has been donated to Dinamo's campaign. 

The value of Dinamo's donation to the village of Pecki is HRK 450,000, and the rest of the donation will be used to help those in Banovina whose property was damaged in the earthquake. The next action carried out by Dinamo is purchasing a container for its former player Radimir Bobinac.

Numerous athletes and clubs in Croatia are coming together for Petrinja, including Split club Hajduk, which has already sent several donations to the earthquake-affected areas. In its latest action, Hajduk is selling shirts of their legendary players through an auction.

Source: Index.hr, 24 Sata

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

December 31, 2020 - A great way to end the year for Dinamo and Rijeka players who made UEFA's Europa League Breakthrough XI!

As we come to the end of the year, which includes the end of last season's competitions, and all the qualifying rounds and the group stage of the new season, UEFA has taken time to reflect on some of the standout footballers that made a splash in 2020. 

Thus, UEFA's experts composed a team of the biggest breakthrough stars in the Europa League season, which included three Croatian footballers! 

And while it is not surprising that two Dinamo players are on the list, few expected Dinamo to be so convincing in the group with CSKA Moscow and Feyenoord. However, it's nice to see that Rijeka's goalkeeper Ivan Nevistić (22) was also recognized for this incredible goalkeeping effort so far. 

"The young custodian played every minute of Rijeka's group stage campaign, making a competition-high 28 saves in the process," said UEFA. 

Nevistić was primarily included in the team by numbers. Because even though he defended the team's goal that finished last in the group, even against much stronger rivals, Ivan amassed 28 saves in six games. Behind him with 23 saves were goalkeeper Hapoel Levitt and Zvezda goalkeeper Borjan.

The two Dinamo players in the breakthrough team are Joško Gvardiol (18) and Lovro Majer (22).

"The prototype of a modern-day centre-back, Gvardiol was key to Dinamo conceding just one goal in the entire group stage," describes UEFA of Joško, who played most of his games as a left-back, even though he is a stopper.

"An important cog in the Dinamo machine that performed so well in the group stage, Majer is technically proficient, fast and agile with an eye for goal," UEFA described Lovro Majer.

Dinamo convincingly won their group, secured first place after the penultimate round, and in the end, only Arsenal, Hoffenheim, and Bayer Leverkusen scored more points in the entire Europa League.

The entire Europa League breakthrough XI team includes Nevistić (Rijeka) - Guardiola (Dinamo), Carmo (Braga), Fofana (Leicester), Botman (Lille) - Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen), Kubo (Villarreal), Majer (Dinamo) - Gouiri (Nice), Nunez (Benfica), Malen (PSV).

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

December the 30th, 2020 - Due to the proximity of Petrinja to the City of Zagreb, Dinamo's Bad Blue Boys were at the scene of the tragedy barely a few hours after it happened, reports Index.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, in a video received by Index (which can be viewed by clicking on the above link), Zagreb's Bad Blue Boys are seen connected in a human chain in the pitch darkness, cleaning away the ruins of Petrinja following the horrific earthquake which struck yesterday. Although it can be seen in the video that many Dinamo fans are working hard and diligently without stopping, they nevertheless encourage each other during the cleaning process.

After working the first day and night in what is now the hell of Petrinja, the Bad Blue Boys went home to sleep in Zagreb, before returning this morning to help at the site of the quake.

"Bilo (Bijelo) srce" also launched an action to help the residents of Petrinja who were so horribly affected by the earthquake.

The association "Bilo srce" under the media sponsorship of Slobodna Dalmacija, Dalmatinski portal and Radio Dalmacija decided to launch an action called "Bilo srce kuca za sve vas" (Our white heart beats for all of you) with the aim of helping all of the residents of Petrinja, Sisak, Glina and surrounding areas affected by the earthquake. All funds raised will be donated to all those who need help, as was announced on Wednesday on Hajduk's internet portal.

"On Tuesday, in record time, several aid trucks were gathered, which headed towards the affected areas during the night, as well as members of Torcida who are participating in the field operations today. At the same time, a large number of Hajduk fans have made own properties available for those whose homes were damaged in the earthquake and who need accommodation, and we're ready to organise a reception if necessary. We'd like to thank everyone who was available all the time and offered their help, as well as everyone who will in any way get involved in this action in order to once again show the greatness of Hajduk's heart,'' the association stated.

For more on the Petrinja earthquake, follow today's live updates. For more on how you can help and donate funds, food, material and humanitarian aid, click here and here for the details of a special (free of additional charges) HPB donation account for Grad Petrinja.

December 27, 2020 - The European Football Federation (UEFA) has ranked the most successful clubs in the European Cup/Champions League from 1955 to 2020. Dinamo and Hajduk fall into the top 80. 

As expected, at the top is Real Madrid, which has been European champion 13 times (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) with a total of 607 points.

The German giant Bayern Munich holds the second spot with 495 points, while Barcelona is in third place with 459 points. In the top 5 are Manchester United (380) and Juventus (361).

They are followed by Milan (314), Liverpool (298), Benfica (287), Porto (286), and Ajax (271). 

In 11th place, Dynamo Kyiv is the best-placed club that has never won a European title, not even played in the finals.

The list of 500 clubs also includes five Croatian representatives.

Namely, Dinamo Zagreb is in 30th place, Hajduk is in 79th place, Rijeka is in 270th place, Zagreb is in 366th place, and Lokomotiva is in 459th place.

Dinamo played their first European match in 1958 against Dukla Prague. They were also the third Yugoslav club to play in a UEFA-sponsored competition after Partizan in 1955 and Red Star in 1956.

Dinamo has played 136 games in Champions League, 123 in Europa League, and 31 in the Cup Winners' Cup. Their best result was making the Europa League round of 16, where they lost to Benfica in the 2018-19 season. Dinamo also made it to the Cup Winners' Cup semifinals in 1960-61 and the quarters in both 1964-65 and 1969-70. 

On the other hand, Hajduk has played 40 games in Champions League, 128 in Europa League, and 30 in Cup Winners' Cup. 

Their best results include losing in the Champions League quarterfinals in 1976, 1980, and 1995, and losing in the Europa League semis in 1984 and the quarters two years later. Hajduk also made it to the Cup Winners' Cup semis in 1973 and quarters in 1978. 

Rijeka has participated in UEFA competitions on 20 occasions, with most appearances (16) since 1999. Rijeka's best result was the 1978–79 European Cup Winners' Cup quarterfinals, where Juventus eliminated them. 

Source: Gol.hr

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

December 21, 2020 - The 16th round of the Croatian First League was held on December 19 and 20, 2020. Only three games were played in the winter season's final round, putting Dinamo and Osijek on the top of the table. 

Osijek v. Sibenik (1:0)

Osijek and Sibenik opened the 16th round on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at City Garden Stadium. 

The only goal of the match came in the 17th minute, thanks to a stellar header by Skoric for the 1:0 Osijek win. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 33 points and 16 games played, while Sibenik is in 7th with 13 and only 14 games played.

Dinamo v. Varazdin (4:0)

Dinamo and Varazdin met at Maksimir Stadium on Saturday, December 19, 2020. 

A goal by Orsic in the 23rd and Petkovic in the 31st put Dinamo up at 2:0 at the half. A penalty awarded for Dinamo in the 79th minute scored by Petkovic made it 3:0, and Hajrovic secured Dinamo's victory in the first minute of added time for the final 4:0 result. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 33 points, however, with only 14 games played, while Varazdin is in 9th place with 12 points. 

Hajduk v. Gorica (2:4)

Hajduk and Gorica closed out the 16th round on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at Poljud Stadium. 

Dieye scored the first goal for Gorica for 0:1 in the 6th minute. Atanasov equalized for Hajduk in the 24th. A penalty was awarded to Gorica in the 53rd, which Lovric scored for 1:2. Diamanatakos scored for 2:2 in the 63rd. 

Another penalty was awarded to Gorica in the 76th minute, putting them back in the lead for 2:3. Moro scored a final-minute goal for the 2:4 Gorica victory. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 17 points, though with only 14 games played, while Gorica is in 3rd place with 29 points and 14 games played.

Istra 1961 and Lokomotiva already played their last matches this year. They were supposed to meet at Aldo Drosina Stadium in the 16th round, but the match was postponed due to COVID-19 infections in the Istra squad. Istra also had to postpone their two previous games against Sibenik in the Cup and the championship.

HNS also postponed the 16th round match between Slaven Belupo and Rijeka.

The Koprivnica club has four positive COVID-19 cases, and the competent epidemiologist determined a measure of self-isolation for three other players because the contacts of the infected were close. According to the decision of the HNS Competition Commission, any team that has six or more players in self-isolation can request a postponement of the match.

Rijeka will welcome the winter break with 20 points in 4th place, with five games behind, while Slaven Belupo is 6th with 17 points and one game behind.

The match between Slaven and Rijeka was supposed to be played on Sunday, December 20. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

December 14, 2020 - Dinamo Zagreb meets Krasnodar in the last 32 of the Europa League competition. 

The Europa League round of 32 draw was held in Nyon on Monday, in which Dinamo drew Russian club Krasnodar as its opponent in the knockout phase of the competition.

As the winner of Group K, Dinamo had the seeded-status along with the other 11 group winners and the four best third-placed teams from the Champions League. As a seeded team, the Croatian champion will have the home-field-advantage so that the first match will be played in Russia on February 18, and the return match on February 25 at Maksimir Stadium.

Krasnodar is currently the eighth-ranked club in the Russian league. Krasnodar found a spot in the Europea League's round of 32 by finishing third in Group E of the Champions League, behind Chelsea and Sevilla, and ahead of Rennes. They won five points in that group, which was not enough for them to be seeded in today's draw.

This season's Europa League final is on May 26 in Gdansk.

Seeded Clubs: Roma, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Rangers, PSV, Napoli, Leicester City, Milan, Villarreal, Tottenham, DINAMO, Hoffenheim te Manchester United, Club Brugge, Shahktar, Ajax

Un-seeded clubs: Young Boys, Molde, Slavia, Benfica, Granada, Real Sociedad, Braga, Lille, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Royal Antwerp, Wolfsberger, Crvena zvezda te Krasnodar, RB Salzburg, Dynamo Kijev, Olympiakos

Round of 32 draw:

Wolfsberger - Tottenham
Dinamo Kijev - Club Brugge
Real Sociedad - Manchester United
Benfica - Arsenal
Crvena Zvezda - Milan
Royal Antwerp - Rangers
Slavia Prag - Leicester
Red Bull Salzburg - Villarreal
Braga - Roma
Krasnodar - Dinamo Zagreb
Young Boys - Bayern Leverkusen
Molde - Hoffenheim
Granada - Napoli
Maccabi Tel Aviv - Šahtar
Lille - Ajax
Olympiacos - PSV

Source: UEFA

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