Four Rounds to Go: Who Will Win the HNL Title?

With just four rounds remaining in the 2024/25 SuperSport HNL season, the Croatian title race has reached an intense climax.

Rijeka and Hajduk Split are level with 56 points each at the top of the standings, while reigning champions Dinamo trail closely with 55 points.

The spotlight now turns to the Eternal Derby, as Hajduk host Dinamo at a sold-out Poljud on Saturday, May 3rd. This encounter is pivotal, as a victory for either side could significantly influence the championship outcome. Hajduk, seeking their first league title in two decades, will rely on their formidable home atmosphere and the league’s top scorer, Marko Livaja, who has netted 16 goals this season.

Rijeka, meanwhile, will face Gorica on Sunday, aiming to capitalize on any slip-ups from their title rivals. The race is further intensified by the upcoming clash between Hajduk and Rijeka at Poljud on May 18th, a fixture that could ultimately decide the champion. It should be noted that Rijeka has a head-to-head advantage over Hajduk and Dinamo.

“We’ve still got fuel in the tank, and the team’s still got legs. We’ll go out there, give it our all, and play the game the way it should be played. After the match, we can talk about what went well and what didn’t. Of course, it’s better to draw than to lose, but I’m not a coach who prepares for a draw,” said Gennaro Gattuso, making it clear that Hajduk will go for the win.

“They have serious attacking potential through Livaja. I like Hajduk. We’ve prepared for them, we know their strengths and weaknesses,” said Dinamo coach Perković, before revealing what he expects from the Split side:

“Nothing revolutionary can change at this point; I expect them to play the same way as in previous derbies. I didn’t have to work on motivation — we’ve done everything we needed to. The atmosphere is really good, and we’re all eagerly waiting for the match to start.”

As the season draws to a close, every match carries immense significance. Fans across Croatia are set for an exhilarating conclusion to one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.