March 12, 2020 - The city of Zagreb plans to demolish the existing Dinamo stadium in Maksimir and build a new one with 30,000 seats, with an auxiliary stadium of 3,000 - 4,000 seats, and athletic fields and various outdoor courts alongside the pool complex.

Gol.hr reports that the head of Zagreb's Office for Strategic Planning and Development, Sanja Jerkovic, said Wednesday at the presentation of a public urban-architectural competition program for SRC Svetice that matches at all European and world standards could be played at the new Dinamo stadium, which has not been the case so far.

"As this is an extremely important city facility, it is a priority to embark on the construction of a new stadium systematically. Delaying such a decision has led to a disrupted static state of the stadium and an inability to bring any changes to the standards required by FIFA and UEFA, that is why it is inevitable that we must demolish the current stadium and design a new one,” Jerkovic told reporters.

Asked if Zagreb would be a partner to Dinamo in the construction of the new stadium, she said that "Dinamo and Zagreb are inseparable" and she cannot say anything about the value of the project.

The meeting is one of the last to prepare a call for proposals for an urban-architectural solution for the entire Svetica zone, covering about 23 hectares in the narrow area and 32 hectares in the wider range.

"A new football stadium is planned along with ancillary grounds and office space, and a large athletic grandstand with athletic fields and various outdoor courts will be planned in addition to the pool complex," Jerkovic says.

Because it is one of the most demanding competitions, it will last six months, and Jerkovic believes that by the end of the year, there will be known results. Construction on the new stadium should begin in 2022.

Asked about the planned construction of the football stadium in Kajzerica and Blato, Jerkovic said that these were other projects related to the construction of the national football stadium.

GNK Dinamo President Vlatka Peras recalled that on March 9, the Dinamo Assembly unanimously adopted a decision to demolish the existing Maksimir Stadium structure.

When the Maksimir stadium is demolished, Dinamo will play on Rujevica or at the stadium in Osijek, if it is built by then.

"We are looking forward to a partnership and a new stadium," Peras said, adding that they would like the stadium built as soon as possible, but they can't speculate on whether it will open in 2023 or 2024.

When asked how they would finance the construction of the Dinamo stadium, she said that they had to negotiate a partnership with the City, but they still needed to define it.

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

March 10, 2020 - A closer look at how the coronavirus outbreak is effecting Croatian football.

Following the announced measures of the Croatian Civil Protection Staff from March 9, the relevant bodies of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) issued instructions for playing football matches in the following period.

The following instructions have been determined by the leadership of the Croatian Football Federation, headed by President Davor Šuker and Executive Director Marijan Kustić, HNS Executive Board, HNS Medical Commission with President prof. Dr Dragan Primorac, HNS Competition Commission led by President Ante Vučemilović-Šimunović, Commission of Football Referees with President Anto Kulušić, HT First League Competition Commissioner Josip Brezni and HNS Security Commissioner Miroslav Marković:

1. It is obligatory to adhere to all decisions, measures and recommendations which he has prescribed and which will be prescribed by the Civil Protection Staff of the Republic of Croatia or other competent state institutions.

2. Considering the HNS competition calendar, all competitions under the HNS's jurisdiction shall continue with or without spectators.

3. Match organizers are obliged to fully respect and implement the measures of the Civil Protection Staff of the Republic of Croatia.

4. We emphasize the obligation of the organizers to obtain the consent of the County Civil Protection Headquarters and the competent Institute of Public Health regarding the fulfillment of the prescribed conditions for the organization of the match before the matches.

The Croatian Football Federation will continue to closely monitor the situation with the epidemic of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and will, if necessary, determine new measures and issue new instructions, which will be notified to the football family and the public promptly.

In accordance with the recommendation of the Civil Protection Staff, the opinion of the County Institute of Public Health of Istria County and the decision of the Croatian Football Federation to continue the competition, Istra 1961 announced that its 27th and 28th round HNL games, scheduled on March 14 and 21, will be played without spectators.

On Saturday, March 14, Rijeka will visit Pula to play Istra, while a week later, Hajduk will visit Aldo Drosina Stadium.

"Both games will be played without the presence of spectators and there will be no ticket sales," the first-league team from Pula said.

The Istrian Institute of Public Health on Tuesday issued special recommendations to prevent the coronavirus epidemic, which, among other things, delays all outdoor and indoor gatherings, from children's events and birthdays, to sports, cultural, business and other events.

The Istra decision was only the first since Rijeka and Varazdin later came forward. Both have suspended ticket sales for their next home games.

Varazdin will host Dinamo on Sunday, March 15, and three days later, Rijeka will host Osijek in the Croatian Cup semi-finals. Both Varazdin and Rijeka have stopped selling tickets for those duels.

Lokomotiva will host Osijek at Kranjceviceva stadium on Friday from 6 pm.

'According to the published measures of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia, NK Lokomotiva, as the host of the match, will adhere to the maximum extent and implement all instructions, measures and recommendations regarding the organization of the match by the County Civil Protection Headquarters and the Institute of Public Health.

The maximum number of viewers will be 1,000.

NK Lokomotiva will provide checkpoints with disinfectants and urges viewers to refrain from the usual non-verbal communication that involves shaking hands and avoiding closer social contact.'

The club also urges fans with respiratory illness and/or fever (greater than 37.5 C) not to attend the match.

Tickets are purchased exclusively at the stadium ticket office on the day of the match, two hours before the start of the meeting (from 4:00 pm). 

Hajduk will play against Inter Zapresic at Poljud on Sunday at 3 pm as part of the 27th round. It is the first of two championship matches to be played in front of the empty stands because of the penalty that HNK Hajduk received for violations committed during the Hajduk - Dinamo match played on March 4.

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

March 10, 2020 - "Wine Talks with Tomislav Stiplošek", is a fun but educative interactive workshop that is getting more and more attention from wine experts and wine lovers. This time, the guests were from Erdut winery.

The program takes place in Procafé in the center of Zagreb, and happening twice a month, it is getting more and more popular. The venue is always full! This time, the guests were from Erdut winery one of the bigger Croatian wineries. The history of the winery spans back to the beginning of the 18th century, and the year 1730 is considered the beginning of the winegrowing tradition of the whole region. Historian Hrvoje Pavić who is in charge of marketing and tourism in the company talked about the history of the company, the winery, vineyards and the region. He also introduced the audience to the interesting and not widely known fact that in this very winery, there is the biggest barrel in the whole world that is in regular use. It is made of famous Slavonian oak of 75 000 liters capacity. It is always full of Graševina, typical Slavonian grape variety. With the little help from Tomislav Stiplošek and his friends, nice snacks and interesting comments, Erdutski vinogradi presented eight of their wines in a very nice atmosphere. The wines were:  Graševina premium (2019.), Chardonnay premium (2019.), Pinot Grigio (2019.), Pinot Noir (2019.), Rosé (2019.), Cabernet Franc (2018.), Merlot (2018.) and Traminac ice wine (2012.)

Melita Rumbak, who followed in her mother's steps as a chief oenologist in the company, led the tasting and presented each wine. It can almost literally be said that this winery is running through her blood. It was evident from her presentation that the winery takes special care of the vineyards and that they are more dedicated to the white than red wines, Erdut being more favorable terroir for the white varietals. Wines were overall of good quality, very expressive of the varieties, highly mineral – obviously created by an oenologist who consistently follows her idea. Last but not least, the wines are not pricey and can be bought for 30 to sixty kuna a bottle. The big barrel line, however, is their premium line – and they are slightly more expensive, while the name is an homage to the aforementioned big barrel.

There is still time for these wines to ripen, but they are already showing great potential. The wine that was liked by everybody was, besides the ice wine, Pinot Noir –  which shows that even the light and elegant red wines have serious potential in Erdut. It is a very fresh wine, with considerable green notes on the nose; aromatic wine ideal for summer evenings. One of the head people at Erdutski Vinogradi - Josip Pavić, highlighted the fact that this winery offers quality wines for a moderate price and that they are proud to be among rare Croatian producers of “best buy” wines.  Pavić has recently become the president of the wine sector within the Croatian Chamber of Economy, so he shortly addressed the aims and plans in HGK.

"I have learnt in life to try to have a wide overview of the problems and only then start to solve them. One of the first is to motivate young winemakers and it is up to the state just as the Croatian Chamber of Economy to do so. We have been around and, for instance, the Hungarian town and the whole of region Villány – literally lives for and of wine. Except for Istria, in Croatia, other wine regions could do the same.  We have to put Croatia on the wine map of the world," stressed Pavić.

Very well known wine journalist Ivo Kozarčanin said: Villány is a worldwide known region and even to start the comparison with them is audacious.  Can we be like them? Hmmm. Should we try? Of course, we should do our best. It takes a lot of work, clever planning and a little bit of luck.  Studena and Radenska waters were served and cheese Baranjac accompanied by kulen, sausages and bacon made of black Slavonian hog by Belje. The quality of these products was very good and they were received with accolades. The secret of the quality is in keeping the pigs outside where they live more or less freely, but the quality of the red peppers, the process of smoking the meat and letting it ripen slowly, also are partly responsible for the high quality and the deliciousness. Young pattisier Božidar Akrap also presented his craft – by pairing his cheesecake with the Traminac ice wine and it was a great success. Ivana Berišić, EIC of the portal  Poduzetna.com, had the opportunity to promote her products – non-edible delicacies like decorative magnets in the form of different sweets and cakes.  The writer Lea Brezar, known for her bestselling book “Super Heroes”, promoted her new novel “Mirrors”, and announced the opening of the first private grammar school by the name Epoha,  that will teach according to Waldorf methodology. 

"I am very glad that Wine Talks have become a ritual for so many people who are regulars and keep returning to our evenings dedicated to wine, art, talented people, interesting artists of all kinds. These were the 21st Wine Talks and, it seems they are a complete and utter success – said the author Tomislav Stiplošek.

The next Wine Talks are scheduled for the 16th of March in Procafe, with the wines from the famous Ilok podium.

Photos by Rene Karaman

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

March 10, 2020 - The 26th round of the Croatian First League was played from March 7-9, 2020. This round featured the ‘Adriatic Derby’ between Rijeka and Hajduk, which Rijeka won at Rujevica Stadium.

Inter Zapresic v. Slaven Belupo (0:2)

Inter and Belupo opened the 26th round in Zapresic on Friday, March 7, 2020, in front of 136 fans.

Bogojevic scored the first goal of the game in the 28th minute for 0:1, while Lulic increased the lead in the 43rd minute for the final score of 0:2 for Belupo.

Inter is currently in 9th place with 17 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 26.

Osijek v. Varazdin (2:0)

Osijek and Varazdin met on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at City Garden Stadium in front of 1,715 fans.

Osijek scored both goals in the first half - Loncar scored in the 25th minute, while Maric made it 2:0 in the 27th. 

Osijek is currently in 5th place with 42 points, while Varazdin is in the last place with 17 points.

Dinamo v. Istra 1961 (2:0)

Dinamo and Istra met on Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Maksimir Stadium in front of 2,474 fans.

Dilaver scored in the 2nd minute for an early 1:0 lead. Majer increased Dinamo’s lead to 2:0 in the 69th minute for the final score of the game. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 65 points, while Istra is in 8th with 19. 

Rijeka v. Hajduk (2:0)

Rijeka and Hajduk met on Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Rujevica Stadium in front of 7,326 fans. 

Both of Rijeka’s goals came in the second half - Colak scored for 1:0 in the 61st minute, while Gorgon scored 11 minutes later in the 72nd for 2:0. 

Rijeka has jumped over Hajduk to 2nd place with 47 points, while Hajduk has fallen to 4th place with 45 points. 

Gorica v. Lokomotiva (1:3)

Gorica and Lokomotiva closed out the 26th round on Monday, March 9, 2020, in Velika Gorica in front of 1,357 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Steenvoorden scored for the Gorica lead in the 53rd minute, though Atiemwen equalized in the 62nd for 1:1. 

Uzini scored two goals in the 75th and 87th minutes for the Lokomotiva win. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 35 points, while Lokomotiva has moved to 3rd place with 46.

You can see the full HNL table here.

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

March 9, 2020 - The latest news from around Croatia’s airports for new flights to Croatia with updates from Zagreb Airports. 

After Korean Air, who postponed seasonal flights between Seoul and Zagreb from March 31 until April 23, Qatar Airways and Emirates have also reduced their operations to Zagreb due to the coronavirus outbreak, reports Ex Yu Aviation.

Beginning this week, Qatar Airways will reduce its daily services between Doha and Zagreb to twelve flights per week. Namely, Qatar Airways will no longer operate a second flight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until the start of the 2020 summer season, or March 29. All Qatar Airways flights to remaining destinations in the former Yugoslavia remain unchanged. 

Furthermore, Emirates has reduced its daily service between Dubai and Zagreb to six per week, with flights no longer available on Tuesday. This is only in effect for the first two weeks of operations (beginning March 29), until Easter week. Emirates expect to make more changes as the situation progresses.

For the upcoming summer season, we know that Eurowings will discontinue flights from Berlin and Dusseldorf to Zagreb, while Swiss and Czech Airlines will not resume their seasonal services from Zurich and Prague. 

However, Ex Yu Aviation reports that a number of airlines will increase operations to Zagreb this year, like Croatia Airlines, which will launch two new routes, to Sofia and Podgorica, three times per week from May. They will also run an extra weekly service to Amsterdam. 

Windrose Airlines will introduce three weekly flights from Kyiv in June, while Air France added a second daily service from Paris and British Airways has upped their flights from London Heathrow to eleven per week. Air Serbia will run thirteen weekly flights from Belgrade, while Aegean Airlines doubled the number of available seats. Croatia Airlines will also increase seat capacity to Brussels, Skopje, and Copenhagen.

Zagreb Airport could soon welcome carriers from North Africa and Southeast Asia, too.

“We are in regular contact with all airlines which could review their summer schedule if the situation develops in an adverse way,” said the airport on the coronavirus outbreak. While Tunis Air will run one weekly charter flight between Monastir and Zagreb from May 27, we have yet to see which other carriers from North Africa or Asia will come to the Croatian capital next. 

Last month, Zagreb welcomed 184,236 passengers, which is up 1.7%. During the first two months of 2020, Zagreb Airport welcomed 387,271 passengers, up 4%. 

Source: Ex Yu Aviation

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

March 7, 2020 - The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel hosted a gala dinner to present the third edition of the prestigious gastronomic guide Gault & Millau Croatia.

HRTurizam reports that this event brought together a large number of Croatian chefs, top professionals, and gastronomy enthusiasts. The highlight of the evening was the prestigious culinary trophies by which Gault & MillauCroatia awards to the best chefs whose work recognizes the guide's motto - "Luxury is in the quality, not in the price."

The Gault & Millau Croatia 2020 gastronomic guide is the most comprehensive to date, featuring 202 restaurants, 82 POP restaurants, 101 wines, and 20 hotels.

"Gault & Millau is one of the two most prestigious international gastronomic guides and represents the Croatian gastronomic scene on the international stage, making Croatia a desirable food & wine destination," said Ingrid Badurina Danielsson, Director of Gault & Millau Croatia.

The 'Chef of the Year' by choice of Gault & Millau Croatia 2020 is Danijel Đekić of Monte restaurant in Rovinj.

Sandra and Dane Tahirović from Zora Bila in Split and Robert Benzia from Ganeum in Lovran won the 'Grand Chef of Tomorrow 2020' trophy. The 'Chef of Traditional Cuisine 2020' trophy was won by Silvija Horak from Terbotz in Štrigova and Tvrtko Šakota from Nav in Zagreb. The 'Young Talent 2020' trophy was won by Floriana Ruzic of the San Rocco restaurant in Brtonigla and Matija Jagic of the Brokenships Bistro in Zagreb. Dubrovnik Buffet Kamenica was awarded the 'Best POP 2020' trophy.

This year also featured a new trophy ‘Šef sale 2020’, which was won by Dragutin Majsak from Vinodol in Zagreb. One of the best ambassadors of Croatian pastry, Dragica Lukin of Villa Soši in Umag, received special recognition for her achievements in promoting Croatian gastronomy and pastry. 360 from Dubrovnik, Monte from Rovinj, Laganini from Palmižana and Sibenik Pelegrini were named the best restaurants.

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

ZAGREB, March 6, 2020 - The "Zagreb 2020" Light Show which was to have been held at several locations around town from March 18 to 22 has been postponed until October due to the possibility of spreading coronavirus and following instructions and recommendations by the relevant institutions, the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ) stated on Friday.

*Follow this page for updates from Total Croatia News on the coronavirus in Croatia. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

"TZGZ is actively following the situation and advice regarding the safety and protection of citizens and as such it is adapting its activities," the tourist board said.

According to TZGZ the light festival attracts about 25,000 visitors a day and regarding the size of crowds and its international characteristic, TZGZ requested the opinion of the relevant bodies regarding further activities.

In line with recommendations the tourist board has decided to postpone the festival in order to prevent any possible spreading of COVID-19, adding that the precise date of the festival will be decided later once it is certain that there is no longer any health risk.

TZGZ underscores that the light festival is one of the most successful projects that is visited by numerous Croatian citizens but also foreign visitors, mostly from South Korea, USA, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy and Germany.

More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

*Follow this page for updates from Total Croatia News on the coronavirus in Croatia. Contact numbers for epidemiologists, travel advisories and measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus can be found here.

March 6, 2020 - The fifth Adria Business Network was held at the FORUM Convention Center in Zagreb, organized by entrepreneurs Željka Barišić and Kristina Krstinić. 

The event is aimed at business networking in Croatia and the region, creating business opportunities and encouraging continuing education. Through the event, everyone was offered the chance to find new clients and enter into lucrative deals.

Guest Lecturer Marko Loncar, New Generation Fitness Trainer and Owner of the BITI FIT brand educated everyone on how to eat healthily and keep fit in the business world.

A look at what the organizers and presenters said bout the event below:

“My dear friend Marko is always interesting and inspiring every time he teaches me something new, so this time I learned why professional sports are not for the human body, because our bodies are not designed for this level of effort. We also learned why none of the next five ranked athletes wanted to take Michael Joran's medals. An interesting fact was that in Croatia, 44% of children do not eat breakfast during the week, 76% do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, while only 30% of boys and 17% of girls are engaged in physical activity, and we are eighth in the EU with 18.7% obesity The guest lecturer also inspired us to motivate ourselves through three questions at the end of each day; what have we done today for ourselves to be happy, what have we done for others, and why are we a better person today than yesterday? The lecture enriched me not only with tips but also with the facts presented,” said Zeljka Barisic, owner of Forca Digital Agency and one of the founders of Adria Business Network.

Kristina Krstinić, owner of MIKRIS Project Management in Zagreb and founder of Adria Business Network, also added her thoughts on the event: “Today, stress is a fact of life that every single individual encounter. It is for this reason that it is important to know how they can alleviate and even avoid the negative effects of stress on the body and mind. Guest lecturer Marko Loncar said that by exercising and eating healthy, we could eliminate the negative effects of the environment, do something positive for ourselves, and set a good example for others. Keep in mind that a healthy spirit is in a healthy body, so it is up to us to make sure that it is.”

Sponsors of the event are Bagatin Clinic, FORUM Zagreb Convention Center and Creative info. The silver sponsor of the event is FINA.

Other sponsors include Vladimir Abicic Photography, InspireMe, Prtenjača  Delicatessen, Aero Print, Kupinovo Wine - Kupilek and Valenta.

Media sponsors of the event are Poduzetnik, the magazine and portal Zaposlena, Netokracija, She.hr, Zagrebonline.hr, Story.hr, Rep.hr, Glas Istre, Flash.hr, Moja Domovina, Total Croatia News, Fama and ZgExpress.

The next Adria Business Network event will be held on April 2, 2020. at 6 pm at the FORUM Zagreb Convention Center, when the guest of the event is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in this region, the owner of Orbica, Mr. Branko Roglic.

You can learn more about Adria Business Network here.

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

March 5, 2020 - The 25th round of the Croatian First League was played mid-week, from March 3-4, 2020. This round featured the always exciting ‘Eternal Derby’ between Hajduk and Dinamo at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

Lokomotiva v. Slaven Belupo (3:0)

Lokomotiva and Belupo opened the 25th round on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in Zagreb in front of 706 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Uzuni scored at the start of the second half in the 59th minute for 1:0. An own goal by Jeffren made it 2:0 two minutes later, and Budimir sealed the victory for Lokomotiva with a penalty in the third minute of injury time for 3:0.

Lokomotiva is currently in 4th place with 43 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 23. 

Rijeka v. Inter Zapresic (4:1)

Rijeka and Inter met on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at Rujevica Stadium in front of 3,376 fans. 

Colak scored the first goal for Rijeka early on in the 9th minute for the 1:0 Rijeka lead. Lepinjica increased Rijeka’s lead in the 41st minute for 2:0 at the half. Galovic made it 3:0 in the 66th minute, while Mamut gave Inter one goal in the 70th minute for 3:1. 

Muric scored in the 84th minute for the final score of 4:1. 

Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 44 points, while Inter is in 9th with 17. 

Istra 1961 v. Osijek (1:0)

Istra and Osijek met in Pula on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in front of 603 fans. 

Delic scored the only goal of the game in the 2nd minute for 1:0 Istra. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 19 points, while Osijek is in 5th with 39.

Varazdin v. Gorica (2:2)

Varazdin and Gorica met on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at NK Varteks Stadium in front of 1,411 fans. 

An own goal by Canadjija made the game 1:0 for Varazdin in the 31st minute. Benko scored three minutes later to make it 2:0 at the half. 

Lovric came back with a goal in the 65th minute for 2:1, and a penalty equalizer by him in the fourth minute of injury time made it 2:2, which was the final score of the game.

Varazdin is currently in 10th place with 17 points, while Gorica is in 6th place with 35. 

Hajduk v. Dinamo (0:2)

Hajduk and Dinamo closed out the 25th round on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in the 'Eternal Derby' at Poljud in front of 22,436 fans. 

A red card in the 40th minute for Hajduk’s Ismajli completely changed the game, which was still 0:0 at the half. Dinamo took advantage of having a player more in the second half and Kadzior scored two minutes in for the 0:1 Dinamo lead. Ademi increased Dinamo’s lead to 0:2 in the 75th minute, which was the final score of the game. 

Hajduk is currently in 2nd place with 45 points, while Dinamo is in first with 62.

You can see the full HNL table here.

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

March 5, 2020 - Jadran Split, Jug Dubrovnik, and Mladost Zagreb featured in the LEN Champions League 10th round this week. 

Mladost opened the LEN Champions League 10th round for Croatian clubs in Group B with a win against Waspo Hannover (18-12) on Tuesday and is one step closer to reaching the Final Eight.

Luka Bukic and Lovre Milos were the best for Mladost with four goals each, while Hanover was led by Aleksandar Radovic, also with four goals.

OSC Budapest leads Group B with 22 points, Ferencvaros and Pro Recco have 20 points each and a match less, while Mladost is fourth with 19 points.

These clubs are followed by Terrassa with 13 points, Marseille with 10, Waspo Hannover with six, and in the last place is Dinamo Tbilisi with three points.

In Group A, Jadran Split defeated Hungarian club Szolnoki 13-9 (3-1, 5-2, 2-4, 3-2) at Poljud on Tuesday

Jadran Split was led by Nathan Power with three goals, while Duje Pejkovic and Ivan Krapic scored two each. Radomir Drasovic was the best for Szolnoki with four goals.

The second representative in Group A, Jug Dubrovnik, beat Sintez Kazan 14-10 and at least temporarily takes the top spot in the standings. 

Jug led from the first minute and never lost an advantage against the weakest team in the group.

Vjekoslav Kobescak’s team was up by four goals on several occasions, with the visitors having the greatest lead at the beginning of the last quarter when it was 10-5.

Jug was led by Loren Fatovic with five goals, while Javier Garcia and Hrvoje Benic scored two goals each. The most efficient for Sintez was Adel Latipov, Sergei Lisunov and Nikolai Lazarev with three goals each.

Jug leads Group A with 24 points, followed by Barceloneta with 22 points, who also has a game less, while Olympiacos is in third with 19 points and the match is less.

The 11th round of the LEN Champions League will be played from April 10-11.

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