May 15, 2022 - The 35th round of the Croatian First League was played from May 13 to 15, 2022. Hajduk kept their title hopes alive after winning at home against Istra on Saturday until Dinamo beat Sibenik on Sunday to claim the 2021/2022 Croatian Championship title. Here is our HNL round 35 recap. 

Dragovoljac v. Gorica (0:2)

Dragovoljac and Gorica opened the 35th round on Friday, May 13, 2022, in Zagreb. 

Fruk scored for 0:1 in the 5th minute and Golubickas in the 78th for the final 0:2. 

Dragovoljac is in last place with 19 points and will be relegated from the First League next season, while Gorica is in 6th place with 44 points.

Slaven Belupo v. Rijeka (2:2)

Belupo and Rijeka met on Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Koprivnica. 

The first goal of the match wasn't scored until the 49th minute when Obregon found the back of the net for the Rijeka lead. Krstanovic equalized from the penalty spot in the 56th minute and Bosec gave Belupo the lead for 2:1 in the 59th. Vukcevic equalized for Rijeka in the 79th minute for the final 2:2. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 36 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 62. 

Hajduk v. Istra 1961 (3:1)

Hajduk and Istra met on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Poljud Stadium. 

Mahmoud gave Istra the lead in the 15th minute for 0:1 before Livaja equalized from the penalty spot or 1:1 just before halftime. Mahmoud was shown his second yellow moments later forcing Istra to play with a man down for the entire second half. Livaja scored another penalty in the 51st minute for 2:1 and Krovinovic made it 3:1 three minutes later for the final score. 

Hajduk is currently in 2nd place with 72 points, while Istra is in 9th with 28. 

Osijek v. Lokomotiva (1:0)

Osijek and Lokomotiva met on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at City Garden Stadium. 

The only goal of the match came in the 26th minute when Zaper scored for 1:0 and the Osijek win. 

Osijek is in 3rd place with 68 points, while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 46. 

Sibenik v. Dinamo (0:2)

Sibenik and Dinamo closed out the 35th round on Sunday, May 15, 2022, in Sibenik. 

A draw or a loss for Dinamo would mean the Croatian champion would be decided next weekend at Maksimir Stadium between Dinamo and Hajduk. Dinamo, however, came to Sibenik knowing what was at stake and celebrated the title one round early.

Tolic scored in the 39th minute and Bockaj in the 53rd for the final 0:2. 

With this win, Dinamo has secured the Croatian championship title with 76 points, while Sibenik is in 8th place with 32 points. This is Dinamo's 23rd Croatian championship title. 

More soon...

You can see the full HNL standings HERE.

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

May 9, 2022 - The 34th round of the Croatian First League was played from May 6 to 8, 2022. This derby weekend featured Rijeka-Hajduk and Dinamo-Osijek, with both Hajduk and Dinamo winning 3:0, leaving Osijek out of the title race. Here is our HNL round 34 recap. 

Hr. Dragovoljac v. Slaven Belupo (1:1)

Dragovoljac and Belupo opened the 34th round on Friday, May 6, 2022, in Zagreb. 

Frigan gave Dragovoljac the early lead for 1:0 in the 3rd minute Krstanovic was unable to equalize for Belupo until the 50th minute for 1:1. Karrica received his second yellow in the 81st minute, forcing Dragovoljac to pay with a man down for the remainder of the match. 

Dragovoljac remains in the last place with 19 points and will be relegated from the First League, while Belupo is in 7th with 35. 

Gorica v. Lokomotiva (3:3)

Gorica and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Velika Gorica. 

Atiemwen made it 1:0 for Gorica in the 24th minute while Kalik scored for 2:0 in the 39th. Pivaric came back for 2:1 Lokomotiva three minutes later. Pivaric received his second yellow in the 67th minute, leaving Lokomotiva with a player less. However, Keita was also sent off just 5 minutes later, leveling the playing field. Kulenovic scored for 2:3 in the 85th minute and Kalik scored a penalty for 3:3 in the 90th minute which was the final score. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 41 points, while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 46. 

Istra 1961 v. Sibenik (1:2)

Istra and Sibenik met on Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Pula. 

Delic put Sibenik ahead in the 26th minute for 0:1. Curic made it 0:2 just before the half. Caseres came back with a goal for 1:2 in the 73rd minute, which was the final score. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 28 points, while Sibenik is in 8th with 32. 

Rijeka v. Hajduk (0:3)

Rijeka and Hajduk kicked off the first big derby on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Rujevica. 

Two Livaja goals in the 13th and 37th minutes put Hajduk ahead by 0:2. Mikanovic scored for 0:3 just before the half. Drmic was shown a red card in the 56th minute, forcing Rijeka to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 61 points, while Hajduk is in 2nd with 69. 

Dinamo v. Osijek (3:0)

Dinamo and Osijek closed out the 34th round on Sunday, May 8, at Maksimir Stadium. 

Orsic put Dinamo in the 1:0 lead in the 34th minute. Osijek's Cheberko was shown his second yellow just 10 minutes later, forcing them to play with a man down for the rest of the match. Spikic made it 2:0 for Dinamo in the 60th minute before Menalo secured Dinamo's win in the 80th for the final 3:0. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 73 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 65 and is no longer in the title race. 

With just two rounds to go, Dinamo and Sibenik meet next Sunday in Sibenik, while Hajduk and Istra meet on Saturday at Poljud. If Dinamo draws or loses to Sibenik, the Croatian champion will be determined in the final round at Maksimir Stadium between Dinamo and Hajduk. 

You can see the HNL standings HERE. 

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

May 2, 2022 - The 33rd round of the Croatian First League was played from April 29 to May 1, 2022. This round saw Osijek and Istra draw 2:2, which put Hajduk into 2nd just four points behind Dinamo in first place. Here is our HNL round 33 recap. 

Hajduk v. Hr. Dragovoljac (2:1)

Hajduk and Dragovoljac opened the 33rd round on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Poljud Stadium in Split in front of 9,775 fans. 

Nikola Kalinic gave Hajduk the early lead with a goal in the 6th minute for 1:0. Frigan equalized early in the second half for 1:1 in the 51st minute. Marko Livaja secured Hajduk's win in the 87th minute, which ultimately sealed Dragovoljac's fate outside of the Croatian First League next season. 

Hajduk is now in 2nd place with 66 points, while Dragovoljac is in the last place with 18. 

Slaven Belupo v. Gorica (2:1)

Belupo and Gorica met on Saturday, April 30, 2022, in Koprivnica in front of 505 fans. 

Babec put Gorica in the lead in the 19th minute for 0:1 at the half. Krstanovic equalized for 1:1 in the 72nd minute and Bozic gave Belupo the victory with a goal in the 81st minute for the final 2:1. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 34 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 40. 

Sibenik v. Rijeka (3:5)

Sibenik and Rijeka met on Saturday, April 30, 2022, in Sibenik in front of 778 fans. 

Drmic put Rijeka in the lead in the 12th minute while Mesa equalized for 1:1 in the 27th minute. Grezda scored for 2:1 Sibenik less than 10 minutes later and Pavicic scored one minute after that for 2:2 at the half. Kresic put Rijeka back in the lead in the 49th minute for 2:3, and Drmic scored for 2:4 and 2:5 in the 69th and 72nd minutes. Bilic scored for the final 3:5 with 10 minutes to go. 

Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 29 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 61. 

Osijek v. Istra 1961 (2:2)

Osijek and Rijeka met on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at City Garden Stadium in front of 2,668 fans. 

Osijek was up 2:0 in the 12th minute thanks to goals by Lovric and Caktas. Perkovic and Galilea equalized in the 18th and 39th minutes for 2:2 at the half Neither team was able to score in the second half. 

Osijek has dropped to 3rd place with 65 points, while Istra is in 9th with 28. 

Lokomotiva v. Dinamo (1:1)

Lokomotiva and Dinamo closed out the 33rd round on Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Zagreb. 

Kulenovic put Lokomotiva in the lead with 1:0 in the 30th minute. Soldo scored an own goal for 1:1, which was the final score. 

Lokomotiva is in 5th place with 45 points, while Dinamo is in first with 70. 

You can see the HNL standings HERE. 

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

27 April, 2022 - While it may not have the international reputation of Dubrovnik or the quaint village charm of Rovinj, Croatia's third-largest city is well-deserving of the attention of the zealous globetrotter. Here's all you can do in Rijeka in 24 hours.

Rijeka, or Fiume as it is called in Italian nomenclature, is Croatia's principal seaport and third-largest city. Because of its unique location and advantageous deep-water port, this gem of the northern Adriatic has been contested by many fantastic realms, including the Hungarians, Italians, and the Holy Roman Empire. Luckily for us, centuries spent at the causeway of great power have left much to be admired by those who venture to the city, labeled 2020's European Capital of Culture. Are you looking for the dynamic urban energy from which European cities earn their fame, or maybe you'd prefer the casual beachy vibes that draw millions to the coast every summer? If you want all these things and more, the choice is already made. Rijeka is the destination for you. 

To facilitate your journey, I have put together a guide to 24 hours in Rijeka, including some of the best that this city has to offer. 

9.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m.

There is no better way to start your seaside getaway than with a classic Mediterranean breakfast of fruits and pastries. Think croissants, melons, oranges, maybe with a small cup of strong coffee. Whether starting from a luxury villa or a bargain Airbnb, you should take pleasure in the day's first meal. While there are numerous cafes that offer a selection of tasty early-morning delicacies, personally, I prefer to purchase my own rations from the market. The Rijeka's harborside market opens at 7.00 a.m. Explore the stands overflowing with fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, nuts, and of course, liquor. Purchase whatever suits your fancy, and don't forget some snacks for later. 

Image: Rijeka Tourist Board

10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. 

Since you're now out and about, get the ball rolling by wandering through the oldest part of the city. Located near the remains of the Roman settlement of Tarsatica, which dates to the 3rd century A.D., take part in Rijeka's long history as a trade city. While still part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, goods were toted in and out of this still-bustling port city, moving products like sugar, paper, and the torpedoes invented there.

Image: Rijeka Tourist Board

In the old town, you too can find exciting products either for yourself or the loved ones waiting for you at home. Croatia in a Box, a boutique that sells many handmade items, including beautiful hand-carved oak bowls, comes highly recommended. Combine and create your own version of Croatia in box form.

Image: Croatia in a Box (Facebook)

12.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m.

Search for a spot to plant yourself and enjoy a delicious Croatian lunch. While there are options for every palate, the local specialties are mostly seafood-based. Enjoy shrimp and truffle sauce on a bed of pasta, delightful scampi, or surrender to the day's soup containing the best catch. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll find new meanings for the word "ukusan" or "delizioso." If you're unsure where to eat, the restaurant Konoba Fiume provides those who enjoy the local experience with an authentic local midday meal.

Konoba Fiume

2.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.

Now that you are full of delicious Croatian goodies, it's time for a history lesson. It can't be a European vacation without visiting at least one museum, right? The Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast is located in the Governor's Palace, providing visitors with information about a region that the guidebooks often leave out. The museum contains exhibits covering periods from the Bronze Age up to the modern era.

Photo: Nel Pavletic/PIXSELL

For the techy nerds out there, the Peek & Poke Museum provides a glimpse at over 7,000 pieces of tech-nostalgia. Brings the kids! The museum has numerous exhibits geared towards educating children on the importance of computers and technology both in the past and future.

Photo: Goran Kovacic/PIXSELL

Perhaps you find history a bit dull, and computers aren't your thing. Well, worry not! The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art may be just what you're looking for! This edgy venue sports 8,000 pieces, including paintings, photography, sculptures, and drawings. Channel your inner art critique and bring your biggest, blackest pair of sunglasses to shine in this sophisticated European atmosphere.

Photo: Goran Kovacic/PIXSELL

3.00 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.

After a day of walking, reward yourself by climbing 561 steps… it'll be worth it, I promise. The Petar Kruzic Stairway leads up to the Trsat Castle, which is positioned on the edge of the Rjecina River (Fun Fact: Rijeka and Fiume both mean river in Croatian and Italian, respectively).

Trsat castle overlooking the city of Rijeka below. (Image: Rijeka Tourist Board)

Witness the Kvarner Bay, the Istrian peninsula, and the city itself as you take in the otherworldly views that have transformed Croatia into a 21st-century tourism Mecca. Enjoy the eclectic architectural mixture of the houses below, a firm reminder of the heterogeneous nature of Rijeka's history. 

5.30 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.

By this point, you're probably ready for a break. Head back down to the city and search for a tavern or seaside grill where you can replenish the energy you lost climbing all those stairs. The city comes to life in the warm evenings of the summer months. Consider trying octopus or some black risotto, a tentacled delicacy along this coast. You can wash it all down with a glass of local wine or maybe even a shot of slivovitz, a plum liquor that is quite popular in this part of the world. 

After 8.00 p.m.

For those craving a bit of late-night action, check out the industrial zone. Beer lovers can check one of the late-night water holes (Caffe Bar Skradin is often recommended) and wash off some Mediterranean heat with an ice-cold Croatian pint. If you're more into the music scene, try the Tunnel Club, a nifty venue located under the train tracks that features jazz, indie, and alternative tunes. For the more mainstream Europop fans, finish your night at Zivot and sweat out the jitters to house music under the gaze of Yugoslav-era 1980s family portraits. 

Tunel Club in Rijeka. (Image: Tunel Club/Facebook)

Whatever you choose to spend your time doing in Rijeka, be sure to try out at least a few of these suggestions. You'll be sure to take home stories more valuable than any souvenir.

If you want to find everything you need to know about Rijeka, be sure to check out Total Croatia's complete guide, Rijeka in a Page.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 28, 2022 - The latest flight news to Croatia as 23 Eurowings Croatia lines from Germany will run next month!

The German low-cost airline, Eurowings, a member of the Lufthansa Group, is resuming traffic on a number of seasonal routes to several Croatian airports in May this year. These are lines from Germany to Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik, reports Croatian Aviation.

Eurowings is already present in Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb, and next month it will resume traffic to Pula, Rijeka, and Zadar. These are a significant number of routes that will have a smaller number of weekly flights to most airports, while increases are expected in June and July.

Lines to Pula:

Dusseldorf, from 07.05, once a week, on Saturdays, from 24.05., twice a week, additionally on Tuesdays,

Cologne, from 22.05, 2 times a week, Thursdays and Sundays.

Lines to Rijeka:

Dusseldorf, from 21.05, once a week, Saturdays,

Stuttgart, from 21.05, 2 times a week, Thursdays and Saturdays,

Berlin, from 22.05, 2 times a week, Thursdays and Sundays,

Hamburg, from 22.05, 2 times a week, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Lines to Zadar:

Berlin, from 21.05, once a week, Saturdays,

Cologne, from 21.05, once a week, Saturdays,

Dusseldorf, from 21.05, once a week, Saturdays,

Hamburg, from 21.05, once a week, Saturdays,

Stuttgart, from 22.05, once a week, on Sundays.

Lines to Split:

Dusseldorf, 6 times a week, except Tuesdays, from 23.05 on a daily basis,

Stuttgart, 5 times a week, except Mondays and Wednesdays,

Hamburg, 4 to 5 times a week, except Wednesdays and Fridays,

Cologne, 4 to 5 times a week, except Mondays and Wednesdays,

Dortmund, 2 times a week, Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Lines to Dubrovnik:

Berlin, from 01.05, once a week, on Sundays,

Dusseldorf, once a week, Saturday / Sunday,

Hamburg, from 08.05, once a week, Sundays,

Stuttgart, once a week, on Saturdays.

Lines to Zagreb:

Cologne, 6 times a week except for Saturday,

Dusseldorf, 3 times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays,

Stuttgart, 5 times a week except for Tuesdays and Saturdays.

According to current announcements, Eurowings will have more than 50 weekly flights on 23 international routes to 6 Croatian airports in May. Although the number of rotations to Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, and Dubrovnik will be relatively small, which is expected at the beginning of operations, the airline plans to increase the number of flights in June, which will certainly depend on demand for all flights in the coming weeks.

Eurowings is planning A319 and A320 aircraft on the routes to Croatia, which have a capacity of 144 to 180 seats in the passenger cabin.

For more on flights to Croatia and other travel announcements, check out our dedicated travel section.

April 25, 2022 - The 2022 cruiser season in Croatia officially launched at the beginning of April in Dubrovnik and will end on November 21 in Split. 

The cruising season in Croatia started very early this year, or at the beginning of April, when the first MSC cruise ship of this year, MSC Fantasia, sailed into the port of Dubrovnik. This ship, which can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers, will visit Dubrovnik on Thursdays until the end of the season, scheduled for September 8, reports Novi List. 

In addition to Dubrovnik, MSC Cruises will visit Split, Zadar, and Rijeka and record 63 Croatian ports this season, which will end on November 21 in Split. Dubrovnik, the first and strongest Croatian port for large cruisers, expects to achieve 70 percent of 2019's traffic, which means that the city should reach about half a million passengers on large cruisers, or about 340 large ships. However, the number of cruisers and cruise passengers in the city is limited to two berths, or 4,000 passengers at a time.

While southern Croatia has opened the cruising season for large cruisers, Kvarner has started a new season this year with small cruise ships. Over the weekend, the ID Riva tours Alpha and Vita set off on a seven-day cruise from Rijeka with a group of guests from Switzerland who rented the boat for three weeks at the beginning of the season and three weeks at the end of the season and go on a bike tour. This is around 70 guests. Mario Konta, head of the port of Rijeka in ID Riva tours, said that this year's season started six weeks earlier than last year and that booking is incomparably better.

"This year, if all goes well, we should have a better year than 2019. I have been working here for 20 years, and this is the first time we are leaving in mid-April. It had never moved this early, always towards the end of April. And that's a very good sign. Today we are on board the ‘Alpha,’ which was sold in 13 charters this year before the season even started. So we have a lot of old guests coming back to us, and also a lot of guests who were there during the pandemic and who came back to us precisely because they said we were one of the few who asked for hand sanitizers, disinfection, wore gloves and masks and carried out all epidemiological measures. And the guests remembered that," said Konta, adding the last tour should be done on October 22, before the proper off-season begins. 

"The ships will sail for six months, which is a huge improvement compared to the last two years, so we are delighted. Next week we already have six ships departing from Rijeka, which is also a great indicator considering that it has not happened to us that we already have six full ships at the beginning," said Konta and explained that the route goes through the Kvarner islands, visiting Krk, Rab, Pag, Zadar, Kornati, Lošinj and Cres, before returning to Rijeka.

The captain of the motor yacht 'Alpha', Marin Tomaš, pointed out that he has had a boat with ID Riva for more than half a year.

"You know how much that means to us in these circumstances. This ship, 'Alpha,' is sailing for its third season, so the first was during the 2020 pandemic, and that year was unknown to everyone. ID Riva was on the front line of cooperation with the Croatian Institute of Public Health, the German health authorities, and others. And we found a balance, and, in addition, we all joined the Ministry's "Safe stay in Croatia" program. The complete ID Riva fleet is under this program, and we all adhere to epidemiological rules. This season we are starting to work also with epidemiological measures. For example, when leaving the kitchen, waiters must wear masks when receiving guests, during room service, and, therefore, during contact with the guest. Because, above all, we want our guests here to continue to feel safe. The entire crew has, of course, been vaccinated," said the young captain, adding that for the past two years, they have been driving at reduced capacity, on the verge of profitability. But the banks, he says, have met the needs of shipowners and approved a moratorium on loans for shipbuilding, and all that has been balanced so that those two critical years ended well.

"As for this year's bookings, it is phenomenal. We plan to sail for 26 weeks, and we are already at a good 80 percent occupancy. I must say that when the situation with Ukraine arose, there was a great fear of how it would develop and what would happen to the season; however, fortunately, it turned out very quickly that the situation with booking, despite everything, is excellent," said Tomas. Yesterday, another small luxury cruiser, 'Vita' with guests from Germany, set sail from the port of Rijeka.

His captain Silvestar Vukovic, doyen of the ID Riva cruise, also pointed out his satisfaction with this year's announcements and the fact that after two pandemic years, he is starting two months earlier.

"This is the success of our ID Riva agency and its entire team led by Selimir Ognjenović. The past two years have been challenging, but thanks to the Government's help, which provided the minimum wage to our employees, and thanks to the banks that approved the moratorium on loans, we managed to survive those two difficult years," said Vukovic.

He added that this year the old guests are coming back. Still, new ones are coming who have the opportunity to enjoy this unique vacation, beautiful towns, and small coastal and island places, but also the kindness of the hosts and very important gastronomy. This long-time sailor who has been with ID Riva since the very beginning of the cruise pointed out the excellent cooperation through all those years with the Port of Rijeka Authority, whose employees, he pointed out, he can always count on.

MB 'Morena' and MB 'Kalipsa' sailed from Opatija over the weekend. There were over 60 Austrian guests on these cruises in total. 

"Today is an important day for the Katarina Line agency. Although these are not our first departures this season, since we already had American guests who set out on a cruise from Split, three ships will set sail from the port of Opatija today. More precisely, two today, and another tomorrow morning. This is not what we had in 2019, but it is still a good start in 2022 and an indicator that, as it looks now, our business will be much better than last year. However, it should be said that all this together is still with a lot of ‘holes’ and uncertainties.

Reservations exist, but they can be canceled at any time, and we must not be deceived, but work intensively to offer as much as possible around the world and in the domestic market. For domestic tourists to also be able to enjoy cruises, I announce that we will have special offers for them," said the owner and director of the Opatija agency Katarina Line Katica Hauptfeld.

Cruises in various categories, from traditional to premium and deluxe quality ships along the Croatian coast, are their specialty. Of their three boats, two will be stationed in the port of Opatija.

"We have been to Croatia many times, we are a small agency from Villach and our guests love the combination of sports and relaxation on board. We always do it out of season and spring is ideal for that, because the islands are still fresh now, nature is waking up, everything is quiet, there is very little traffic, no crowds, which is very good for cyclists.

With the Katarina Line agency, we create exciting routes for our guests because they love cycling and cruising. The boats give us flexibility in terms of weather conditions, our departure today is from Opatija, and after a seven-day cruise, we will return to Opatija. Our guests are all from Austria, except for one Frenchman, there are 24 of them on the cruise, and they did not come to swim in the sea, but for active rest, relaxation, health, and enjoy excellent food. We sail to Krk, Rab, Pag, and Mali Lošinj and Cres, and then return to Opatija," explained Elke Neuhuber, owner of the agency from Villach, who sailed on the MB 'Morena'.

As Katica Hauptfeld pointed out, there are six more sailing on Katarina Line in Kvarner in addition to the already mentioned ships. 

This is the year of great cruisers to Rijeka, given that the pandemic essentially reduced their arrivals to zero. Nineteen ships are expected to arrive, slightly less than the record in 2019 when there were 24. Eight shipping companies have announced their arrival in Rijeka, and according to the current plan, the first ship to arrive in Rijeka is Marella Explorer 2 from Marella Cruises. Its first arrival was announced on May 7. The ship comes to the port of Rijeka for the first time, and it will be the first of its eight arrivals this season. In addition to Marella Cruises, ships of Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, Crystal Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Noble Caledonia will arrive in Rijeka in 2022. 

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.

April 25, 2022 - The 32nd round of the Croatian First League was held from April 22 to 24, 2022. Rijeka surprised Osijek on Saturday, while Hajduk collected only one point against Belupo, leaving Dinamo comfortably at the top of the table. Here is our HNL round 32 recap. 

Hr. Dragovoljac v. Sibenik (3:1)

Dragovoljac and Sibenik opened the 32nd round on Friday, April 22, 2022, in Zagreb,

Majstorovic scored Dragovoljac's first goal for 1:0 in the 40th minute before Karrica increased the lead to 2:0 two minutes later. Majstorovic scored a penalty to make it 3:0 for Dragovoljac 10 minutes into the second half, while a penalty was also awarded to Sibenik five minutes later. The match ended 3:1. 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 18 points, while Sibenik is in 8th with 29. 

Istra 1961 v. Lokomotiva (2:2)

Istra and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, April 23, 2022, in Pula. 

Beljo scored for 1:0 Istra in the 16th minute before Maric equalized 10 minutes later for 1:1 at the half. Caseres put Istra back in the lead in the 68th minute for 2:1, though a final whistle goal by Lokomotiva ended the match in a 2:2 draw. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 27 points, while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 44. 

Rijeka v. Osijek (3:1)

Rijeka and Osijek met on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Rujevica Stadium. 

Muric scored a penalty for Rijeka in the 19th minute before Drmic made it 2:0 with 10 minutes to go in the first half. Rijeka's third goal was scored in the 43rd minute but annulled by VAR. Drmic made it 3:0 just 3 minutes into the second half. Mance scored one for Osijek in the 65th minute, though they could not do more than that. Another Rijeka goal was called back thanks to VAR in the 76th minute. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 58 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 64. 

Slaven Belupo v. Hajduk (0:0)

Belupo and Hajduk met on Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Koprivnica. 

It was Hajduk's chance to jump ahead of Osijek, knowing they lost to Rijeka the day before. Still, without Livaja, Kalinic, Sahiti, and Vukovic, who suffered cards and injuries from the Dinamo match earlier in the week, they could not do much at all. The game ended 0:0. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 31 points, while Hajduk is in 3rd with 63. 

Gorica v. Dinamo (0:1)

Gorica and Dinamo closed out the 32nd round on Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Velika Gorica. 

Dinamo was featuring a new coach - former Croatia national team leader Ante Čačić - and knew a win would have them comfortably sitting at the top of the table. However, it took Dinamo 86 minutes before they could score, with Ademi securing their 1:0 victory. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 40 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 69. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 23, 2022 - HNK Rijeka and HNK Hajduk will meet in the final of this season's SuperSport Croatian Football Cup on May 26 at Poljud Stadium. 

The SuperSport Croatian Football Cup final will be played on May 26 at Poljud Stadium, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets for the match between Rijeka and Hajduk will be available at the following prices through the finalist clubs, reports HNS. 

Tribune North: 90 kuna
Tribune South: 90 kuna
Tribune East: 120 kuna
Tribune West: 150 kuna

Tickets for fans of the finalist clubs (20% of the stadium capacity for fans of each club) will be available directly through the clubs, while ticket sales to the public (50% of the stadium capacity) will be organized by the technical host at Poljud Stadium, HNK Hajduk.

Ticket sales for sectors intended for Hajduk fans
From Monday, April 25, the club's subscribers will have the right of first refusal for the sectors reserved for HNK Hajduk fans.

Hajduk subscribers can buy tickets online, at the Membership Department at Poljud (weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm and on Saturday, April 30, from 8 am to 2 pm), at the Hajduk Fan Shop at Joker (every day from 9 am to 9 pm) and at Ticketshop (Tisak media) points of sale until April 30 at 11:59 pm.

More details are on the official Hajduk website.

Ticket sales for sectors intended for Rijeka fans

Sectors A, B, C, and D will be available for Rijeka fans at the following prices:

Sector A: 90 kuna
Sector B: 120 kuna
Sector C and D: 150 kuna

Ticket sales start on Wednesday, April 27, and the HNK Rijeka box office will be open from Wednesday to May 2 from 4 pm to 9 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. From May 2, the opening hours of the box office will be Monday through Friday from 4 to 9 pm.

To buy tickets, you need to present a personal document with a photo and there will be no online ticket sales for the sectors intended for Rijeka fans.

More details can be found on the official Rijeka website. 

Ticket sales for the public sector
Ticket sales will begin on May 2 at 8 pm. Tickets will be available on the website ulaznice.hajduk.hr, at the Membership Department at Poljud (every working day from 8 am to 8 pm), at the Hajduk Fan shop at Joker (every day from 9 am to 9 pm), and at Ticketshop sales points Tisak media. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 18, 2022 - The 31st round of the Croatian First League was held during Easter weekend - April 15 and 16, 2022. This round saw routine wins for Dinamo, Osijek, and Hajduk, while Rijeka is now out of the title fight after losing to Lokomotiva. Here is our HNL round 31 recap.

Dinamo v. Istra 1961 (3:0)

Dinamo and Istra opened the 31st round on Friday, April 15, 2022, at Maksimir Stadium in front of 2607 fans. 

Orsic scored Dinamo's first goal in the 8th minute for 1:0. Orsic scored again off of an Ademi assist in the 2nd minute of stoppage time, making it 2:0 going into halftime. Emreli secured Dinamo's victory just 5 minutes into the second half with a goal for 3:0. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 66 points and a game in hand, while Istra is in 9th with 26. 

Hajduk v. Gorica (1:0)

Hajduk and Gorica played the second match on Friday, April 15, 2022, at Poljud in front of 11,482 fans. 

Hajduk's only goal of the match came in the 13th minute. Vukovic's shot deflected off Jovicic for a Gorica own goal and 1:0 Hajduk. The rest of the match went without goals. 

Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 59 points and a game in hand, while Gorica is in 6th with 40. 

Sibenik v. Slaven Belupo (2:1)

Sibenik and Slaven Belupo met on Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Sibenik.

Vidovic scored Sibenik's first goal in the 14th minute for 1:0. Delic increased Sibenik's lead to 2:0 in the 37th minute. Krstanovic missed a penalty for Belupo in the 53rd minute, though Crnac was about to get a goal for Belupo in the 66th for the final 2:1. 

Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 29 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 30. 

Osijek v. Hr. Dragovoljac (2:1)

Osijek and Dragovoljac met on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at City Garden Stadium. 

Zaper scored Osijek's first goal in the 3rd minute before Galesic equalized for 1:1 in the 32nd. Topcagic secured Osijek's victory with a goal in the 2nd minute of stoppage time for 2:1 at the half. Neither team was able to score in the second half. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 64 points, while Dragovoljac is in last place with 15. 

Lokomotiva v. Rijeka (2:1)

Lokomotiva and Rijeka closed out the 31st round on Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Zagreb. 

Lokomotiva scored their first goal in the 18th minute though VAR ultimately ruled it offside to keep the match 0:0. Stojkovic scored in the 38th minute for 1:0 Lokomotiva at the half. Kacavenda increased Lokomotiva's lead in the 46th minute, while Drmic got one goal for Rijeka in the 2nd minute of stoppage time for the final 2:1. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 5th place with 43 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 55. 

***Hajduk and Dinamo will play the crucial 9th round makeup match on Wednesday, April 20 at Poljud. Hajduk must win in order to stay in the title fight.

You can see the HNL table HERE.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 12 April 2022 - Rijeka is a good example of how the European Capitals of Culture project contributes to the development of cities in the European Union, Austrian member of the European Parliament Hannes Heide said during a visit to the northern Croatian Adriatic city on Tuesday.

Heide is the former mayor of Bad Ischl, which will assume the title of European Capital of Culture in 2024. He met with Rijeka mayor Marko Filipović to discuss the European Capitals of Culture project.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Heide said that they had exchanged experience with the organisation of such a project. A positive contribution from the European Capital of Culture project can be felt in Rijeka, he noted.

As mayor of Bad Ischl from 2007 to 2020, Heide had promoted the development of the city and the Salzkammergut region through culture. "We applied for the European Capital of Culture title, but we did not believe that such a small city of 40,000 and a region with a population of 100,000 could become a European Capital of Culture," he said.

Filipović said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic the European Capital of Culture project remained the biggest culture project in Croatia and that it had brought many visitors to Rijeka. Performing arts were hit hardest by the crisis, but two-thirds of the planned programmes were implemented, he noted.