August 15, 2019 - NK Rijeka and Aberdeen met in the return match of the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday evening in Scotland. 

It was not difficult for Rijeka to top Aberdeen once again in the return game of the third round of the Europa League qualifiers. The Croatian club celebrated 2:0 at Pittodrie Stadium, achieving a 4:0 aggregate over the Scottish club, reports Gol.hr.

Thus, Rijeka has secured the Europa League playoff round where they will play Ghent, who defeated AEK Larnaca from Cyprus. Rijeka and Ghent will meet on August 22 in Belgium, followed by the return match in Rijeka on August 29. 

Igor Bišćan's team had a much easier job than they expected in the qualifiers. After neutralizing the hosts' initial aggression, they took the lead in the 10th minute after Aberdeen lost the ball and Rijeka went on the attack. Zoran Kvržić found the foot of Stjepan Lončar who put the ball in the back of the net for 1:0. At this point in the game, Aberdeen had to score four goals to move forward. 

Aberdeen showed their nervousness and lost concentration, which resulted in a double yellow for Funso Ojo in the 20th minute. Aberdeen played the rest of the match with a man down. 

All hope was lost for the Scottish side, which was further confirmed after Rijeka increased their lead in the 32nd minute thanks to a combination between Maxwell Acosty, Zoran Kvržić and Mirko Čolak. 

Until the end of the first half, Rijeka routinely controlled the course of events, preventing Aberdeen from seriously threatening their goal. 

The second half was no different. Aberdeen pressured in the opening minutes of the second half, though Rijeka held their own and managed to go through the qualifiers without conceding a goal. 

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August 8, 2019 - NK Rijeka opened their Europa League season in the 3rd round of the qualifiers against Scottish club Aberdeen on Thursday at Rujevica stadium. Commentators said around 6,500 spectators were in attendance.

Gol.hr reports that NK Rijeka missed a handful of critical opportunities in the first half, which ended without goals for either club. Rijeka, however, was given their golden chance to take the lead in the 62nd minute after Logan unnecessarily pulled Capan down in the penalty area, which the referee immediately whistled for a pen. Čolak fiercely shot down the middle as goalkeeper Lewis chose to move to the left. Rijeka took the 1:0 lead. 

At the very end of the duel, in the 88th minute, Halilović found the foot of Murić who nailed the bottom right corner from 18-meters out. Lewis was powerless in goal, and Rijeka led 2:0 for the final score of the game. 

"I am proud of my players and if it were 0:0 I would be pleased, let alone with 2:0. Everything we spoke about was fulfilled, and we were even physically equal. We have a nice advantage and Aberdeen will surely play differently in the return match. But if we play like we did tonight, then we will definitely pass,” said NK Rijeka coach Igor Bišćan.

Recall, the Scottish club was never a fond memory for Rijeka fans. Four years ago, they eliminated Rijeka in the Europa League qualifying round at Kantrida in a 3:0 blowout. 

The return match will be played at Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen, Scotland in one week. If Rijeka advances, they will play the winner of the duel between AEK Larnaca and Ghent.

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NK Osijek was eliminated in the second round of the Europa League qualifiers after a penalty shootout against CSKA Sofia on Thursday at City Garden stadium. 

NK Osijek and CSKA Sofia met for the return match of the second round of the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday at City Garden stadium. Recall, Sofia won the first leg 1:0 at home, reports HRT on August 1, 2019.

Osijek needed to put up a tough fight to stay alive in the Europa League and did just that on Thursday night in Osijek. In the 23rd minute, Bočkaj hit the wall from a free-kick and had an even better opportunity a minute later when he crossed the ball to Šorša who shot over the goal. 

But Osijek finally got their chance in the 27th minute after Ante Majstorović nailed a header from Žaper's cross from the right. After exactly half an hour of play, the game could have been 2:0. Marić fooled the Sofia player to find Mance, though their stopper cleared Osijek’s attack. 

The game saw no other goals, and after 90 minutes with a 1:1 aggregate from both games, it went into extra time. However, no winner could be decided in the dramatic added minutes, and the winner was then to be decided on penalties. Unfortunately, Osijek failed to overcome the Bulgarian club on penalties, losing 3:4 in the end. Thus, Osijek joins Hajduk and is no longer competing in the Europa League this season.

City Garden Stadium in Osijek welcomed 7,200 spectators for the Europa League clash between Osijek and CSKA Sofia.

This game was also the return of Ljupko Petrović to City Garden. The expert took over CSKA Sofia after the club dismissed Dobromir Mitov at the beginning of the season. Petrović's first encounter with Osijek was his debut for the club, and in the second he beat city rivals Slavia 2:1.

Petrović is the best scorer in Osijek history with 139 goals and has achieved his greatest career success as the Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) coach, winning the European title in 1991.

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July 18, 2019 - It was the biggest embarrassment for Hajduk Split in their long history of the Europa League. After a 0:2 victory against Gzira United in Malta, Hajduk managed to lose 1:3 in the return match of the first round of the Europa League qualifiers, in front of over 18,000 of their fans at Poljud stadium in Split. 

Hajduk’s Europa League campaign this season is now over. An outcome not even the most pessimistic Hajduk fan could have anticipated. 

Hajduk fan group Torcida charged the pitch after the game and chased after Hajduk players before the police intervened. An incident in the West Stands also broke out, and dozens of seats were pulled from the North Stands and thrown onto the pitch. It was bound to be an ugly night in Split. 

Hajduk coach Siniša Oreščanin made questionable decisions with the lineup on Thursday, as if the victory in Malta was enough to carry the team through so they could prepare for their first Croatian League match against Istria. What a mistake that was in the end. 

At the Hajduk press conference after the game, which didn’t begin for nearly an hour after the final whistle blew, the Gzira coach - as well as 99% of journalists in the room - was in shock. 

“I can’t believe we did this against a big club like Hajduk,” the Gzira coach expressed. 

While his reaction was expected, we couldn’t imagine how Oreščanin would explain this defeat. 

"We went into the first half well, but our mindset fell in the second half, and we conceded two goals after interruptions. No one expected this," said Oreščanin. "That's sport; it will go on." 

Answering a German journalist's question of what he has to say about the fan reaction after the game, Oreščanin responded briefly: "That's Hajduk." 

Whether Oreščanin will resign is still unknown, as he revealed he would need to speak to the club first and take the next steps accordingly. 

Hajduk will open the Croatian First League against Istria on Sunday, though the atmosphere around the club is looking anything but bright. 

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

July 18, 2019 - Hajduk Split and Gzira United met in the second leg of the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday night at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

After Hajduk won 0:2 against Gzira United in Ta’Qali, Malta for the first leg of their Europa League qualifications, the two teams met again one week later in the sunny city of Split.

Hajduk featured a different lineup than the game in Malta, and instead came out with Duka, Lopez, Barry, Svatok, Beširović, Delić, Jairo, Bašić, Dolček, Tahiraj, and Jradi for the starting 11. 

While Hajduk fans don't need much reason to make the trip to Poljud, because it was their first home game of the new season, almost 20,000 spectators were expected to fill the stadium - and over 14,000 tickets were sold by 2 pm on game day! The final attendance was 18,326.

The game began at 8 pm and Hajduk came out with momentum. It didn't take long for the Split club to thank their fans for the support after Jradi scored for 1:0 in the 7th minute! 

Gzira was not able to do much against Hajduk in the first 20 minutes and had their first shot on goal only then. Hajduk, however, found ways into the box and had a few chances which hit just wide of the goal. 

In the 29th minute, Hajduk had another golden opportunity from a free-kick outside the penalty area, which Lopez made difficult for the Gzira goalkeeper. Delić hit just over the crossbar moments later. The first half ended 1:0 for Hajduk. 

Gzira seemed to pick up the pace at the start of the second half, though they were unable to capitalize on their few chances. Hajduk's first real chance of the second half was from Tahiraj, though he shanked his shot far from the goal. 

But Gzira's momentum carried them past the Hajduk defense to equalize in the 57th minute. Jefferson scored for 1:1. 

Hajduk had a chance to retake the lead in the 59th minute, but a deflection resulted in a corner instead. Delić had a chance minutes later, but hit wide again - and just minutes after that, Juranović hit the post! 

In the 67th minute, the Gzira goalkeeper denied Hajduk another opportunity in front of the goal, and it was Gzira to capitalize just two minutes later when Kone scored for 1:2. 

Delić once again had the chance to save the day after a brilliant Jurić attack but took one touch too many. Hajduk was pressing but failing to make any gains. 

Six minutes of extra time were added and the game took a nasty turn. Gzira scored in the final 30 seconds for 1:3. With this loss, Hajduk is out of Europa League. 

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Mateo Kovačić entered prestigious company after claiming the Europa League title with Chelsea on Wednesday night in Baku. 

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovačić became only the second Croatian footballer to win the Champions League and the Europa League! Before him, only Ivan Rakitić has succeeded, reports Gol.hr on May 29, 2019, 

Kovačić celebrated in the Champions League last season with Real Madrid, while this season he won the Europa League with Chelsea. Rakitić had a different path. He first won the Europa League with Sevilla, and then won the Champions League in the ranks of Barcelona.

Kovačić has also won his fourth European trophy in a row, something not even the best of the best footballers can boast. Recall, in the last three seasons he won the Champions League title with Real Madrid, and on Wednesday the Europa League title with Premier League club Chelsea.

The Chelsea midfielder also became the ninth Croatian footballer to celebrate the UEFA Cup or the Europa League. Thus far, Mladen Ramljak, Luka Peruzović, Mario Stanić, Ivica Olić, Ivica Križanac, Darijo Srna, Ivan Rakitić, and Šime Vrsaljko have done the same. 

Chelsea has won the Europa League for the second time in history. However, Sevilla still holds the record and has celebrated the title five times. 

Recall, Chelsea won the competition for the first time after defeating Benfica in 2013.

Mateo Kovačić played excellent in the Chelsea jersey in the final, collecting 76 minutes and participated in the first three Chelsea goals. Kovačić also achieved 91% of successful passes. Kovačić completed a 3 in dribbling, with Hazard only at 5. Kovačić also held 7% of possession, with Xhaka only at 8.4%.

Twitter even went crazy for Kovačić last night after his stellar performance. You can read some of the comments of praise below. 

Kovacic being a baller tonight. Fantastic player when used to his strengths. Ball retention and dribbling through press effortlessly. Perfect response to his critics n such an important game.#CHEARS #UELfinal

— Sudip Majumder (@studipm) May 29, 2019

Kovacic has become fucking Zidane this second half.

— • (@Chelsea_Related) May 29, 2019

After today’s performance it’s clear that Kovacic needs to be secured on a permanent #CFC

— Adi?? (@CFCAdz) May 29, 2019

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Dinamo Zagreb will not be able to count on the support of their fans in their next two European challenges at Maksimir stadium.

The excellent performance of Dinamo Zagreb in Europe this season has also filled the club's cash register and increased the value of the players. Thus, Dinamo has concluded their European campaign with around 14 million euro in the bank, reports HRT on March 15, 2019. 

Here’s how the money was collected. 

Just for participating in the qualifications of the Champions League, Dinamo will receive five million euro, and in the Europa league, more than eight million euro.

Dinamo will also receive 2.9 million euro for making it to the group stage. For each of the four wins in their group, the club earned 570,000 euro, and for each of the two draws, 190,000 euro.

For winning first place in the group, Dinamo received another 1 million euro bonus and half a million for making it to the round of 32. Advancing to the round of 16 made the club yet another 1.1 million euro richer. 

UEFA will distribute up to 2.55 billion euro to the clubs participating in the Champions League, Europa League and the Supercup this season. From that amount, clubs in the Champions League will see 2.04 billion euro and clubs from the Europa league 510 million euro.

Dinamo’s excellent European season has also increased the value of players themselves. Interestingly, the value of Dinamo's players has risen by 22 million euro after they won against Benfica in Zagreb. Before the match, Dinamo was worth 50 million euro, and today, 72 million.

The most expensive player is Dani Olmo, who is worth 15 million euro and is the only player worth more than 10 million euro at the club. Captain Arijan Ademi was assessed at 6 million euro, French player Kevin Theophile-Catherine at 5 million, Bosnia and Herzegovina representative Amer Gojak at 4.5 million euro, and Mislav Oršić at 3.5 million euro.

New Croatia national team player Bruno Petković was estimated at three million euro, just like Izet Hajrović and Mario Gavranović.

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

March 14, 2019 - Dinamo Zagreb and Benfica met in Lisbon at the legendary Luz stadium for the second leg of the Europa League round of 16. Recall, in the first match, Dinamo won 1:0 at Maksimir. 

Around 1,500 Dinamo fans traveled to Lisbon for the Europa League spectacle, and allegedly, a Torcida group could also be spotted at the stadium, as they are known to have good relations with Benfica fan group "No Name Boys”.

Dinamo coach Nenad Bjelica could not count on four players for tonight’s game. Namely, captain Arijan Ademi and Izet Hajrović were out due to injuries, while Ivan Šunjić and Marin Leovac were suspended for yellow cards. 

Dinamo played smart and with patience in the first half, and even had a few decent chances to score. Though they were unable to capitalize, the talk of the first half is definitely the controversy of the 22nd minute - should Dinamo have received a penalty? You can see for yourself below. 

22' #SLBenfica 0 - 0 #GNKDinamo
Gabriel y Petković caen en el interior del área benfiquista. Aytekin señala infracción del delantero del Dinamo. Se la jugó el '8' encarnado. pic.twitter.com/UhMJE6Muey

— Fútbol Portugal © ?? (@FutbolPortugal) March 14, 2019

The first half ended without goals, and the start of the second didn’t see the pace of the game change much. However, it was only a matter of time before Benfica picked up their game and reinstilled hope of advancing to the quarterfinals. 

And there it was, in the 71st minute - Jonas scored a somewhat awkward volley for 1:0. With no other goals and at an aggregate of 1:1, the game was forced into extra time.

In the 94th minute, Benfica took the lead with a rocket by Francisco Ferriera. Benfica led 2:0.

Dinamo had a chance to come back just moments later, though Gojak missed in front of an open goal to everyone's disbelief. The Zagreb side was fizzling. 

And then things took a turn for the worse - Dinamo's Stojanović was given a double-yellow for insulting the referee and was ejected from the game. Just minutes later, Grimaldo scored for Benfica. The game was now 3:0. 

Dinamo had another incredible chance in the 110th minute, though Atiemwen went wide of the goal. The game ended 3:0 for Benfica, who will move onto the quarterfinals. 

Dinamo has thus completed what was otherwise a brilliant Europa League campaign. 

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March 7, 2019 - Dinamo Zagreb and Benfica met at Maksimir stadium on Thursday for the first leg of the Europa League round of 16.