Hajduk Split celebrated their 98th birthday in flawless fashion as they defeated Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in the Croatian First League to march ahead of their local rivals to the top of the division. Eager to retain the championship that has eluded their grasps for the three long seasons which have been conquered by Dinamo, Hajduk stepped into the first match after the winter break in an all-too familiar position of second place but attaining the derby honours soon swayed that.
Riot police, fanatic ultras, scattered fires and luminous flares - just another chapter in the long-standing feud between both factions and should the action within the pitch fail to serve up an appetising duel then footage of the stands won’t fall short of passion at the very least. Croatia’s two most successful clubs were the subject of this encounter with the victor assured of the much-coveted top position.
Nikola Kalinic opened the scoring in the 45th minute from the penalty spot before Hajduk’s lead was doubled thanks to Senijad Ibricic shortly into the second half. Hajduk coach Ante Mise commented "We will do everything necessary to become champion”, stating his side earnt the win “because we were better and we scored the goals at the right moments. Dinamo had no chance.”
With 84 Hajduk fans and 37 Dinamo supporters arrested throughout the course of the match, this rivalry promises never to lose its spark.
Croatia First League (Matchday 19)
- NK Zadar 2 - 1 HNK Cibalia Vinkovci
- NK Varteks Varazdin 2 - 1 NK Croatia Sesvete
- NK Zagreb 0 - 1 NK Inter Zapresic
- NK Slaven Koprivnica 3 - 1 HNK Sibenik
- NK Osijek 2 - 2 HNK Rijeka
- HNK Hajduk Split 2 - 0 NK Dinamo Zagreb
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