Photo by Sanjin Strukic/PIXSELL
April 3, 2024 – Rijeka and Dinamo will meet in the Croatian Cup final this season after knocking out Lokomotiva and Hajduk.
Rijeka secured its spot in the final of the SuperSport Croatian Football Cup after beating Lokomotiva at Kranjčevićeva Stadium 1-0. The deciding goal was scored by Ivan Smolčić in the 70th minute after a corner kick by Marco Pašalić.
Rijeka thus advanced to its ninth Croatian Cup final. In the eight finals played so far, Rijeka has won six times. The last time they won was in 2020 against Lokomotiva. On the other hand, Lokomotiva failed to advance to its third final. In the previous two finals played (2020 and 2013), they lost both times.
Hajduk and Dinamo met in the second semi-final at Poljud Stadium at 7 pm. Dinamo beat Hajduk 1-0 with a goal by Sandro Kulenović in the 15th minute. The game was mostly even, and Hajduk had the chance to take the game into extra time in the final second when they hit the crossbar.
The highlight for Hajduk fans was in the 73rd minute when Ivan Perišić entered the pitch to make his Hajduk debut. Marko Rog came on for Dinamo towards the end of the match.
It will be the 24th final for Dinamo. They have celebrated a record 16 times so far.
The Croatian Cup is played in two games. The first is on May 15, and the second leg is on May 30.
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