Dinamo players defeated Osijek 3-0 at Opus Arena in the 19th round of the Croatian championship, increasing their lead over Hajduk to four points.
Dinamo football players they rushed through the Opus Arena taking advantage of Hajduk’s setback at Poljud, so now they have a four-point advantage over their biggest rival.
They scored the goals for the “Blues”. Luka Stojković (30), Miha Zajc (42) i Dion Dren Beljo (89).
Before the start of the match in Osijek, well-deserved awards were presented to the economist Goran Vincek, who retired after more than four decades spent at the club, and the former captain, Vedran Jugović, who said goodbye to his playing career. Jugović, who played 301 games for the “white and blue” during 12 seasons, entered the field through the players’ fence.
A minute’s silence was held for the recently deceased Mladen Bartolović, once a very prominent protagonist in HNL, as well as for Osijek members Ilija Ivković and Tomislav Priegl, who also lost their life battles.
Željko Sopić introduced four new players from the first minute, Borna Barišić on the left back, Vladan Bubanja in the midfield and offensive players Samuel Akere and Toni Teklić. On the other hand, Mario Kovačević made three changes to the squad that started the Europa League match against FCSB. Fran Topić played instead of Bakrar, Ismael Bennacer entered the team instead of Dejan Ljubičić who left the club, while Matteo Perez Vinlof played at left back instead of Bruno Goda.
Osijek had the first chances in the game, from two free kicks in the 9th and 11th minutes. He shot both times Omerovic. The first time from 25 meters, but he hit Hoxha in the hand, so he got a new opportunity at 18 meters, but he didn’t shoot the best. In the 12th minute, Galesic also tried a shot on the other side, but he shot wide of the goal.
The guests are in the 23rd minute remained without Bennacer who left the game due to injury, and Luka Stojković entered. Just seven minutes later, Stojković was among the scorers. Galesic passed on the right side and rolled the ball into the middle of the penalty area where Beljo was, who immediately passed the ball to Hoxha. This one, on the other hand, shot well from the left, Mkrtchyan managed to clear the ball in front of the goal line, but it reached Stojković, who hit the upper left corner indefensible from about eight meters away.
Stojković had a dangerous shot in the 38th minute, this time Malenica saved it. The visitors came one step closer to victory in the 42nd minute. Beljo pushed aside for Vinlof, who found Zajc with a great ball, and he scored at the top of the box for 2-0.
Dinamo threatened for the first time in the continuation, Stojković shot from 20 meters in the 50th minute, but over the goal. In the 77th minute, the “Blues” shook the opponent’s net for the third time, but Belja’s goal canceled due to hinterland.
Ten minutes later everything was clean. After a great action, Dinamo scored the third goal. Stojković “pushed” the ball to Vidović, who extended it to Belja, who beautifully broke free from the keeper and scored for 3-0.
Dinamo led the ranking with 41 points, Hajduk has 37, and Istra 1961 is third with 29 points. They are followed by Rijeka (28), Slaven Belupo (27)… Osijek is last with 14 points.
SuperSport HNL, 19th round
Friday, January 23
VARAŽDIN – GORICA 16.00 – POSTPONED to January 26
Saturday, January 24
LOKOMOTIVA – VUKOVAR 1991 2-1
RIJEKA – SLAVEN BELUPO 2-2
Sunday, January 25
HAJDUK – ISTRIA 1961 2-1
OSIJEK – DINAMO 3-0
(Hina | Photo: David Jerkovic/PIXSELL)
