Round 12 of the Croatian First League came to an end on October 15, 2017.
After a two-week long break for national team duties, the Croatian First League returned this weekend, from October 13-15, 2017. With the gap in the standings inching closer between the top four teams, round 12 fared better for some of the worst teams in the league than some of the best – and we are certain a few of these results will surprise you.
Here is our round 12 recap.
NK Rudeš v. Lokomotiva Zagreb (0:1)
The first match of round 12 was played between NK Rudeš and Lokomotiva Zagreb at Kranjčevićeva on October 13, 2017.
Otherwise known as a “city derby”, the two teams met for their first-round match and an unexciting and scoreless first half. The winning (and only goal) for Lokomotiva, however, came only in the second minute of extra time after Krstanović found the back of the net. Lokomotiva secured a 0:1 away victory.
Rudeš is currently in the last place with 7 points while Lokomotiva is in fifth place with 15.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=7zGk1NjaSMU
Istra 1961 v. Rijeka (0:1)
Istra and Rijeka played the second (and most surprising) match of round 12 on Friday afternoon, October 14, 2017, in Pula.
While we’ve been hearing the noise about the disarray going on at Rijeka right now, a loss to one of the worst placed teams in the league solidified that for many fans of Croatian football.
Istra’s goal game quickly and in the 17th minute after Puclin found the right corner of the net past Rijeka’s goalkeeper. While the Croatian champions dominated the match, they remained unlucky and left with swallowing a 0:1 loss to Istra.
Istra is currently in 8th place with 9 points while Rijeka is currently in second with 25.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=IZtlt02zXNs
Dinamo Zagreb v. Osijek (1:1)
Dinamo and Osijek met for their 12th round match on the evening of October 14, 2017, at Maksimir Stadium.
A highly anticipated match of round 12, Osijek was first the take the lead and shocked Dinamo with a goal by Grezda in the 17th minute. Osijek also looked much better on the pitch than the home team in the first 45 minutes.
Dinamo’s hopes were restored in the 55th minute after they were awarded a penalty, but a weak shot by Soudani kept Osijek in a 0:1 lead.
Dinamo continued to press, and it was only a matter of time before the boys in blue saw the back of the net. And there it was, in the 4th minute of extra time, Henriquez scored to end the game 1:1.
Dinamo is currently in first place with 30 points while Osijek is currently in 4th place with 21.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=WpFC1JM5E5A
Slaven Belupo v. Inter Zaprešić (1:2)
Slaven Belupo and Inter met each other for their 12th round match in Koprivnica on Sunday, October 15, 2017.
While Belupo was much better than Inter in the first half, a goal by Inter’s Andrić brought the guest in the lead with 0:1 at the half.
The second half Belupo kept dominating, but it was Andrić to secure another goal in the 64th minute for 0:2.
Belupo finally found the back of the net in the 81st minute, but it wasn’t enough for a win at home. The game ended 0:2 for Inter.
Belupo is currently in 7th place with 13 points while Inter is in 6th place with 14 points.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=EzDz0qXgPSk
Hajduk Split v. Cibalia (2:1)
Hajduk and Cibalia faced one another at Poljud on the evening of October 15, 2017.
To just over 8,000 fans and a screaming Torcida, Hajduk took the lead in the 6th minute after a stunning left-footed free kick by Toma Bašić. In classic Hajduk fashion, however, Cibalia came back to equalize quickly with a goal by Plum in the 13th minute.
A 1:1 game at the half, Radošević saved the day for Hajduk with another left-foot shot in the 57th minute. The game ended 2:1 for Hajduk.
Third-placed Hajduk now creeps up on Rijeka as they are just two points behind the Croatian champion with 23 points. Cibalia is in 9th place with 9 points.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=NVbQLUKMnBQ
