April 4, 2022 - The 29th round of the Croatian First League was played from April 2 to 4, 2022. This round featured the highly anticipated derby between Osijek and Hajduk, while Dinamo and Rijeka recorded routine wins against Istra and Dragovoljac. Here is our HNL round 29 recap.
Šibenik v. Gorica (0:1)
Šibenik and Gorica opened the 29th round on Friday, April 2, 2022, in Šibenik in front of 487 fans.
The only goal of the match came at the end of the first half when Stojanovksi scored for 0:1.
Šibenik is currently in 8th place with 26 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 39.
Istra 1961 v. Rijeka (0:2)
Istra and Rijeka met on Saturday, April 3, 2022, in Pula in front of 2,170 fans.
Vuckic scored Rijeka's first goal in the 29th minute for 0:1 at halftime. Vuckic scored his second goal of the match in the 87th minute for the final 0:2.
Istra is currently in 9th place with 25 points, while Rijeka is in 3rd with 55.
Dinamo v. Dragovoljac (2:0)
Dinamo and Dragovoljac met at Maksimir Stadium on Sunday, April 3, 2022, in front of 2,029 fans.
While the first half went without goals, Andrić scored Dinamo's first in the 46th minute. A Smolčić own goal made it 2:0, which was the final score.
Dinamo sits in 1st place with 60 points and a game in hand, while Dragovoljac is in last place with 14 points.
Osijek v. Hajduk (0:0)
Osijek and Hajduk met for the highly anticipated derby of the 29th round on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at City Garden Stadium in front of 7,181 fans.
It was an exciting first half which included a penalty awarded then taken back for Hajduk, a red card called and taken back for Osijek, a missed penalty for Osijek by former Hajduk player Mijo Caktaš, and a 5-minute wait for referee Jović to sort out his technical equipment. The second half, however, was much less exciting, and neither side was able to find the back of the net.
Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 58 points, while Hajduk is in 4th with 53 points and a game in hand.
Lokomotiva v. Slaven Belupo (3:1)
Lokomotiva and Slaven Belupo closed out the 29th round on Monday, April 4, 2022, in Zagreb.
Crnac scored in the 1st minute of stoppage time for the Belupo lead at halftime. Dabro equalized in the 48th minute before the same player put Lokomotiva in the lead in the 76th minute for 2:1. Ibrahim scored for 3:1 in the 91st minute for the final result.
Lokomotiva is currently in 5th place with 29 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 30.
You can see the full HNL table HERE.
To read more about sports in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
March 21, 2022 - The 28th round of the Croatian First League was played from March 18 to 20, 2022. This round saw Rijeka complicate their race for the title as Gorica won 1:0, while Hajduk, Dinamo, and Osijek recorded wins to keep the top of the standings tight. Here is our HNL round 28 recap.
Hr. Dragovoljac v. Istra 1961 (0:0)
Dragovoljac and Istra opened the 28th round on Friday, March 18, 2022, in Zagreb in front of 200 fans.
Neither team was able to score, and the game ended 0:0.
Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 14 points, while Istra is in 9th with 25.
Gorica v. Rijeka (1:0)
Gorica and Rijeka met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, March 19, 2022.
The first half went without goals, and Da Cruz was booked for his second yellow in the 60th minute, forcing Gorica to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. However, a Cestic own goal put Gorica in the lead in the 73rd minute and gave them the ultimate win.
Gorica is currently in 6th place with 36 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 52.
Hajduk v. Lokomotiva (4:0)
Hajduk and Lokomotiva met in the second match on Saturday, March 19, at Poljud Stadium in Split.
Nikola Kalinić scored Hajduk's first goal in the 22nd minute for 1:0. Grgić scored the second though it was recalled due to VAR. Krovinović made it 2:0 for Hajduk just before the halftime whistle. Melnjak scored for 3:0 in the 54th minute and Sahiti for the final 4:0 eight minutes later.
Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 52 points and a game in hand, while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 36.
Slaven Belupo v. Dinamo (0:1)
Slaven Belupo and Dinamo met in Koprivnica on Sunday, March 20, 2022..
Petović scored from an offside position in the 9th minute which VAR called back. Oršić scored the winning goal in the 20th minute for 0:1.
Belupo is currently in 7th place with 30 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 57 and a game in hand.
Šibenik v. Osijek (0:3)
Šibenik and Osijek closed out the 28th round on Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Šibenik.
While the first half went without goals, Lovrić scored for 0:1 Osijek, followed by a Marin own goal for 0:2, and a Topcagic goal for 0:3.
Šibenik is currently in 8th place with 26 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 57.
You can see the HNL standings HERE.
To read more about sports in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
March 14, 2022 - The 27th round of the Croatian First League was held from March 11 to 13, 2022. This round featured the highly anticipated 'Eternal Derby' between Hajduk and Dinamo, while Osijek and Rijeka both complicated their fight for the title. Here is our HNL round 27 recap.
Šibenik v. Lokomotiva (1:4)
Sibenik and Lokomotiva opened the 27th round on Friday, March 11, 2022, in Sibenik in front of 405 fans.
Grezda put Sibenik in the lead with a goal in the 14th minute for 1:0. Kacavenda equalized for 1:1 in the 65th minute before Soldo put Lokomotiva in the lead two minutes later. Sibenik's Peric received his second yellow less than 5 minutes later, forcing Sibenik to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. Kacavenda scored again to make it 1:3 in the 76th minute and Tuci scored for 1:4 to confirm the Lokomotiva victory.
Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 26 points while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 36.
Slaven Belupo v. Istra 1961 (0:0)
Slaven Belupo and Istra met in Koprivnica on Saturday, March 12, 2022.
Neither team was able to score and the match ended 0:0. Belupo had 17 total shots to Istra's 7, of which only 4 were on target (Istra had only 2). Belupo received 5 yellow cards to Istra's 4.
Belupo is currently in 7th place with 30 points, while Istra is in 9th with 24.
Hajduk v. Dinamo (0:0)
Hajduk and Dinamo met for the highly anticipated 'Eternal Derby' at Poljud on Saturday, March 12.
While the atmosphere was better than ever at the sold-out Poljud, for the first time full thanks solely to Hajduk's members and season ticket holders, the derby itself was one of the less exciting meetings between the two rivals. The match went without goals, though Hajdkuk had 3 shots on target to Dinamo's 0. Hajduk had slightly less possession than Dinamo (44%/56%).
Hajduk is currently in 4th place with 49 points and a game in hand, while Dinamo is in 1st with 54 points and a game in hand. These two teams play last season's makeup match on April 20 at Poljud.
Dragovoljac v. Rijeka (2:1)
Dragovoljac and Rijeka met in Zagreb on Sunday, March 13, 2022.
Certainly the most shocking match of this round, Dragovoljac took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to Peric (1:0). Peric opened the second half with another goal for 2:0 in the 50th minute. Ampem gave Rijeka some hope in the 74th minute scoring for 2:1, while VAR recalled a Dragovoljac goal in the 83rd minute for being offside.
Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 13 points, while Rijeka is in 3rd with 52.
Osijek v. Gorica (0:0)
Osijek and Gorica closed out the 27th round on March 13, 2022, at City Garden Stadium.
Yet another match of the 27th round that went without goals, Osijek had only 51% possession to Gorica's 49%. Osijek also had only 3 shots on target to Gorica's 6!
Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 54 points, while Gorica is in 6th place with 33 points.
You can see the HNL standings HERE.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
March 7, 2022 - The 26th round of the Croatian First League was played from March 4 to 6, 2022. Osijek and Hajduk recorded draws in this round, while Dinamo and Rijeka booked 3:0 victories. Here is our HNL round 26 recap.
Lokomotiva v. Osijek (0:0)
Lokomotiva and Osijek opened the 26th round on Friday, March 4, 2022, in Zagreb in front of 884 fans.
Neither team was able to score, and the match ended 0:0.
Lokomotiva is currently in 5th place with 33 points, while Osijek has dropped to 2nd place with 53.
Dinamo v. Sibenik (3:0)
Dinamo and Sibenik met on Satuday, March 5, 2022, at Maksimir in front of 2,421 fans.
Bockaj scored Dinamo's first goal for 1:0 in the 16th minute. Petkovic increased Dinamo's lead with a goal in the 58th minute for 2:0. Finally, Baturina secured Dinamo's victory with a goal for 3:0 in the 76th minute.
Dinamo has moved back to first place with 53 points and a game in hand, while Sibenik is in 8th place with 26 points.
Rijeka v. Slaven Belupo (3:0)
Rijeka and Belupo met on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Rujevica in front of 3,421 fans.
While the first half went without goals, Vuckic scored for the Rijeka lead in the 55th minute for 1:0. Drmic increased Rijeka's lead to 2:0 in the 70th minute, before Čerin made it 3:0 9 minutes later, which was the final score.
Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 52 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 29.
Gorica v. Hr. Dragovoljac (4:0)
Gorica and Dragovoljac met on Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Velika Gorica.
Though Kalik missed a penalty in the 10th minute for Gorica, Atiemwen scored the second-awarded penalty for Gorica in the 22nd minute for 1:0. Subaric received a red card for Dragovoljac in the 45th minute, forcing them to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. Muhammed scored for 2:0 Gorica in the 47th minute, followed by Da Cruz for 3:0 in the 52nd and Kalik for 4:0 in the 59th.
Gorica is currently in 6th place with 32 points, while Dragovoljac is in last place with 10.
Istra 1961 v. Hajduk (1:1)
Istra and Hajduk closed out the 26th round on Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Pula.
Nikola Kalinić scored his first goal for Hajduk since he's returned in the 30th minute for 0:1. Drena Beljo equalized for Istra in the 54th minute for 1:1. Hajduk scored one minute later though it was ultimately recalled thanks to VAR. The match ended 1:1.
Istra is currently in 9th place with 23 points, while Hajduk is in 4th with 48 and a game in hand.
You can see the full HNL standings HERE.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
March 2, 2022 - The first Croatian Cup semifinal match was played tonight at Poljud Stadium in Split between Hajduk and Gorica, with Hajduk winning 2:1 for a spot in the final on May 26 at Poljud!
Hajduk was a big favorite in the semifinal match against Gorica, which has just suffered five Championship defeats. Hajduk suffered a heavy 3:1 loss to Rijeka in the Croatian First League derby on Saturday.
Since the final is too being played at Poljud, Hajduk fans expected a victory against Gorica and a spot in the final.
Gorica has thus far led head-to-head, with eight wins with five defeats, but has lost two of three games against Hajduk this season.
Lineups
Hajduk: L. Kalinić, Mikanović, Katić, Elez, Melnjak, Grgić, Fossati, Sahiti, Biuk, Livaja, Mlakar
Gorica: Kotarski, Jovičić, Steenvoorden, Mitrović, Babec, Kalik, Krizmanić, Pršir, Keita, Atiemwen, Dieye
Recap
Hajduk came out much more aggressively in the first 5 minutes of the match, pressuring the Gorica defense and goalkeeper. A Livaja cross in the 5th minute was a top chance for Hajduk, with Stipe Biuk heading over the crossbar.
Gorica attacked well in the 8th minute before Hajduk countered and Sahiti just missed the goal.
Gorica had a chance in the 11th minute which was headed over the goal. Hajduk continued to press and a brilliant ball in from the right found Grgić's head which went just over the post.
Sahiti tried shooting from the left-wing but it was an easy save for the Gorica keeper. Livaja danced around the Gorica defense in the 16th minute but hit wide of the goal. Gorica had an unsuccessful counterattack two minutes later.
Hajduk had two of their best opportunities in the 20th minute but both were saved by Kotarski.
Gorica held possession for the next few minutes and managed a shot off which went wide of the Hajduk goal.
A quick 1-2 in front of Kotarski's goal found the boot of Grgić who had another stellar opportunity for Hajduk but his shot was also wide.
Gorica seemed to only pressure thanks to quick counterattacks but nothing was dangerous. Their first corner came in the 29th minute.
In the 32nd, Mikanović sent the ball in to Liivaja who found the back of the net, but VAR ruled the goal offside.
However, it didn't take long for Hajduk to get their goal. Melnjak scored for 1:0 in the 39th minute!
A Hajduk free kick right outside the box was awarded 2 minutes to go in the half - and Marko Livaja hit the post!
Hajduk had 57% of the possession in the first half and 8 shots on goal to Gorica's two.
The second half started without any changes on either side.
Hajduk's attacking game continued in the first 8 minutes of the second half. Gorica had their first shot at the keeper in the 53rd minute. Gorica's first corner of the second half came two minutes later.
Gorica had their best chance of the match in the 57th minute when Pršir shot just wide of Hajduk's goal. A potential penalty for Hajduk was checked by VAR in the 60th minute but was ruled out.
Just a few minutes later, Livaja's free kick outside the box found the head of Melnjak for 2:0 in the 64th minute!
Stipe Biuk was subbed off for Nikola Kalinić in the 66th minute.
Gorica subbed Dieye for Cruz and Brbec for Suk in the 70th minute. Hajduk made changes two minutes later - Sahiti was subbed off for Atanasov and Mlakar for Ljubicic.
In the 79th minute, Gorica subbed Mitrovic for Musa and Suk for Golubickas.
A mistake in Hajduk's defense gave Gorica a corner in the 83rd minute though they were unable to get past Hajduk's defense.
Vukovic and Colina came on for Grgic and Melnjak in the 86th minute. The ref added 5 minutes of stoppage time.
VAR awarded a penalty for Gorirca in the final minutes which Kalik scored for the final 2:1.
Gorica was unable to get past Hajduk's defense for another goal, giving Hajduk the 2:1 victory and spot in the Croatian Cup final! Rijeka and Osijek will play in the second semifinal on March 9. The final is on May 26 in Poljud.
Only one game is played in the Croatian Cup semifinal, and if there is no winner after 90 minutes, extra time is played and then penalties.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
February 28, 2022 - The 25th round of the Croatian First League was played from February 25 to 27, 2022. This round saw two of Croatia's biggest derbies - between Hajduk and Rijeka, and Osijek and Dinamo. Here's our HNL round 25 recap.
Slaven Belupo v. Hr. Dragovoljac (1:0)
Slaven Belupo and Dragovoljac opened the 25th round in Koprivnica on February 25, 2022, in front of 753 fans.
The only goal of the match came in the 64th minute from a Brkovic penalty.
Belupo is currently in 6th place with 29 points, while Dragovoljac is in last place with 10.
Lokomotiva v. Gorica (2:0)
Lokomotiva and Gorica met on Saturday, February 26, 2022, in Zagreb in front of 319 fans.
Kulenovic scored Lokomotiva's first goal for 1:0 in the 18th minute. Pivaric missed a penalty in the 60th minute, though Dabro increased Lokomotiva's lead to 2:0 in the 72nd minute, which was the final score.
Lokomotiva is currently in 5th place with 32 points, while Gorica is in 7th place with 29.
Hajduk v. Rijeka (1:3)
Hajduk and Rijeka met in the Adriatic Derby at Poljud on Saturday, February 26, 2022, in front of 11,453 fans.
Drmic put Rijeka in the lead in the 17th minute, before Vuckic made it 0:2 for Rijeka in the 33rd. Livaja put Hajduk on the board in the 69th minute for 1:2, though Kresic secured Rijeka's 1:3 victory in the 86th minute.
Hajduk is currently in 4th place with 47 points and a game in hand, while Rijeka is in 3rd with 49.
Sibenik v. Istra 1961 (2:1)
Sibenik and Istra met in Sibenik on Sunday, February 27, 2022, in front of 776 fans.
Drena Beljo scored moments before the halftime whistle for 0:1 Istra. Marin equalized in the 53rd for 1:1, before Delic scored for 2:1 and the Sibenik win in the 63rd minute.
Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 26 points, while Istra is in 9th place with 22.
Osijek v. Dinamo (1:0)
Osijek and Dinamo closed out the 25th round with the highly anticipated match for first place on Sunday, February 27, 2022, in front of 6,676 fans.
The only goal of the match came in the 77th minute thanks to Osijek's Mance.
Osijek has now jumped to first place with 52 points, while Dinamo is in 2nd with 50 and a game in hand.
You can see the HNL standings HERE.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
February 21, 2022 - The 24th round of the Croatian First League was held from February 18 to 20, 2022. This round saw a Livaja hattrick for the Hajduk win, a last-minute goal for Osijek over Istra, and a 0:0 draw a Maksimir to shake up the top of the standings. Here is our HNL round 24 recap.
Gorica v. Slaven Belupo (0:3)
Gorica and Slaven Belupo opened the 24th round on Friday, February 18, 2022, in Velika Gorica in front of 285 fans.
Caimacov scored an early first goal of the match for 0:1 Belupo in the 2nd minute. Zvonarek increased Belupo's lead to 0:2 in the 10th minute. A Jovicic red card forced Gorica to play with a man down from the 56th minute, after which Marina scored a penalty for 0:3, the final score.
Gorica is currently in 6th place with 29 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 26.
Hr Dragovoljac v. Hajduk (0:3)
Dragovoljac and Hajduk met on Saturday, February 19, 2022, in Zagreb in front of 1,650 fans.
Hajduk was awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute, which Marko Livaja scored for 0:1. Livaja was solid on another Hajduk penalty in the 74th minute for 0:2, before a Biuk assist found Livaja for the final 0:3 in the 79th minute.
Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 10 points, while Hajduk is in 3rd with 47 and a game in hand.
Istra 1961 v. Osijek (2:3)
Istra and Osijek met on Saturday, February 19, 2022, in Pula in front of 762 fans.
A Caktas goal put Osijek ahead in the 27th minute for 0:1. Zaper made it 0:2 13 minutes later. Then, Beljo scored for 1:2 in the 57th minute before Galilea equalized in the 84th minute. Finally, Mance scored in the 6th minute of stoppage time for the 2:3 Osijek win.
Istra is currently in 9th place with 22 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 49.
Rijeka v. Sibenik (4:2)
Rijeka and Sibenik met on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Rujevica Stadium in front of 3,084 fans.
Selahi scored for 1:0 Rijeka in the 16th minute. VAR called Sibenik's goal offside in the 23rd minute. Vuckic made it 2:0 for Rijeka in the 34th. Muric and Vuckic made it 4:0 by the 66th minute, before Sibenik scored two goals in the 70th and 84th for the final 4:2.
Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 46 points, while Sibenik is in 8th with 23.
Dinamo v. Lokomotiva (0:0)
Dinamo and Lokomotiva closed out the 24th round on Sunday at Maksimir in front of 1,886 fans.
Neither team was able to score, and the match ended 0:0.
Dinamo is currently in first place with 50 points and a game in hand, while Lokomotiva is in 5th place with 29 points.
You can see the HNL standings HERE.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
February 16, 2022 - NK Osijek managed to stir up the final hours of the HNL transfer window by bringing the high-in-demand Kristijan Lovrić from Gorica to City Garden.
The First HNL transfer window has been concluded - and it ended with a bomb and the unexpected transfer of Kristijan Lovrić from Gorica to Osijek.
The 26-year-old winger has played 21 games in the First HNL this season. Lovrić spent 1,803 minutes on the pitch, which was enough for him to score seven goals and five assists. He added three appearances and three goals in the Cup. His market value according to Transfermarkt is five million euros.
Gorica should earn around two million euros for Lovrić, and the player signed with Osijek for four and a half years.
"After three and a half years, 120 appearances, 54 goals, and 29 assists in the HNK Gorica jersey, Kristijan Lovrić left our club and became a player of NK Osijek," Gorica announced on its Facebook confirming the news.
Lovrić arrived as a replacement for Petar Bočkaj, who moved to Dinamo Zagreb on Christmas Eve for 2.5 million euros. After the arrival of Mijo Caktaš this winter, Lovrić is the second big reinforcement for Osijek, who are now even more ready to fight with Dinamo, Hajduk, and Rijeka.
Along with Petar Bočkaj, Dinamo also brought Azerbaijani Mahir Emreli from the Warsaw Legia, and released left-back Marin Leovac to Osijek.
Along with Lovrić, Osijek brought Mijo Caktaš, who terminated his contract with Saudi club Damac. Kristian Fućak, Vinko Petković, Alen Grgić, Antonio Mance, and Diego Barri arrived with Caktaš.
Hajduk also had a successful transfer period. Midfielder Lukas Grgić, right back Dino Mikanović, stopper Ferro and forward Nikola Kalinić have joined the team. Among the significant departures is stopper Kristian Dimitrov to the Romanian CFR Cluj. Hajduk earned half a million euros by selling Marin Jakoliš to Angers, France.
Rijeka brought stopper Sava-Arangel Čestić from Cologne, Germany, free of charge. Colombian right-back Andres Solano from Atletico Madrid's B team also arrived. Rijeka was left without an important first-team player Ivan Tomečak who went to Paphos, Cyprus.
Source: Gol.hr
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February 14, 2022 - The 23rd round of the Croatian First League was held from February 11 to 13, 2022. This round saw Dinamo defeat Gorica in the final minute, while Hajduk's 111th birthday victory pushed them into 3rd place ahead of Rijeka. Here's our HNL round 23 recap.
Šibenik v. Hr. Dragovoljac (0:5)
The 23rd round opened on Friday, February 11, 2022, between Sibenik and Dragovoljac in Sibenik and was perhaps the most shocking game of the round.
The last-placed Dragovolac scored three goals in the first half thanks to Karrica (19'), Bristric (22'), and Majstorovic (45+3'). Galesic opened the second half with an early goal to make it 0:4 in the 49th minute before Frigan scored for 0:5 in the 75th.
Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 23 points, while Dragovoljac is in 10th with 10.
Lokomotiva v. Istra 1961 (1:1)
Lokomotiva and Istra met on Saturday, February 12, 2022, in Zagreb.
While the first half went without goals, Lokomotiva'ss Salihu was booked for a double yellow at the end of the first half, forcing Lokomotiva to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. Drena Beljo put Istra in the lead in the 54th minute for 0:1, though Kulenovic equalized for 1:1 in the 80th minute.
Lokomotiva is currently in 6th place with 28 points, while Istra is in 9th with 22.
Dinamo v. Gorica (2:1)
On Saturday, February 12, 2022, Dinamo and Gorica met at Maksimir stadium.
While the first half went without goals, Ademi put Dinamo ahead in the 55th minute for 1:0. Kalik equalized less than 10 minutes later for 1:1. Finally, Orsic gave Dinamo the victory with a last-minute goal in the 89th for 2:1.
Dinamo is currently in first place with 49 points and a game in hand, while Gorica is in 5th place with 29 points.
Hajduk v. Slaven Belupo (3:1)
Hajduk and Belupo met on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at Poljud stadium. It was also Hajduk's 111th birthday.
Nikola Kalinic made his re-debut for Hajduk on Sunday and played a part in the first goal, which Sahiti scored for 1:0 in the 13th minute. Grgic increased Hajduk's lead to 2:0 in the 26th. Zapata gave Belupo some hope in the 52nd minute with a goal for 2:1, but a double yellow for Bosec 10 minutes later had Belupo playing with a man down for the rest of the match. Livaja scored a penalty in the 71st for the final 3:1.
Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 44 points and a game in hand, while Belupo is in 8th with 23.
Osijek v. Rijeka (1:0)
Osijek and Rijeka closed out the 23rd round with a derby on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
The first half went without goals, and an own goal by Cestic decided the winner in the 85th minute. Rijeka's Abass was booked for his second yellow in the 3rd minute of stoppage time.
Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 46 points, while Rijeka dropped to 4th with 43.
You can see the full HNL standings HERE.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
February 7, 2022 - The 22nd round of the Croatian First League was held from February 4 to 6, 2022. This round saw wins for Dinamo, Rijeka, Osijek, and Hajduk, keeping the race for the top tight into the spring season. Here's our HNL round 22 recap.
Slaven Belupo v. Šibenik (1:1)
Slaven Belupo and Šibenik opened the 22nd round on Friday, February 4, 2022, in Koprivnica.
Marin put Šibenik in the lead in the first minute of the game for 0:1. Belupo's Grgic equalized 16 minutes later for 1:1, which was the final score.
Belupo is currently in 8th place with 23 points, while Šibenik is just ahead in 7th place with 23 points.
Gorica v. Hajduk (0:4)
Gorica and Hajduk met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, February 5, 2022, in front of 1,600 fans.
Hajduk debutant Ferro scored from a header on his first touch of the game for an early Hajduk lead in the 3rd minute. Livaja scored a penalty to make it 0:2 in the 39th minute. Livaja assisted Mlakar's goal in the 58th minute for 0:3, before Livaja scored again in the 82nd minute for the final 0:4.
Gorica is currently in 5th place with 29 points, while Hajduk sits in 4th with 41 (and a game in hand).
Rijeka v. Lokomotiva (3:2)
Rijeka and Lokomotiva played the second match on Saturday at Rujevica stadium in front of 2,855 fans.
Muric scored two goals for Rijeka in the 25th and 39th minutes for 2:0 at the half. Dabro made it 2:1 with a goal in the 58th minute, before Vuckic increased Rijeka's lead to 3:1 two minutes later. Kulenovic gave Lokomotiva some hope with 10 minutes to go for 3:2, though that remained the final score.
Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 43 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th place with 27 points.
Hr. Dragovoljac v. Osijek (1:3)
Dragovoljac and Osijek met in Zagreb on Sunday, February 6, 2022.
Karrica put Dragovoljac in the lead in the 8th minute, though that was their only goal of the match. Kleinheisler equalized for Osijek in the 29th minute for 1:1 at the half. Bohar put Osijek in the lead in the 54th minute, and Caktas scored for the final 1:3 in the 81st.
Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 7 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 43.
Istra 1961 v. Dinamo (1:2)
Istra and Dinamo closed out the 22nd round on Sunday in Pula.
Orsic put Dinamo in the lead in the 30th minute before Miskovic equalized for 1:1 at the half. Orsic scored a penalty in the 55th minute for 1:2. Istra played with a man down from the 64th when Caseres was booked for his second yellow.
Istra is currently in 9th place with 21 points, while Dinamo leads the standings with 46 points in first place (and a game in hand).
You can see the HNL standings HERE.
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