On the brink of achieving remarkable success, Radomir Đalović, a former Montenegrin national team player, is making waves in the Croatian Football League as he leads Rijeka in his inaugural role as head coach.

The club from Kantrida, which celebrated its first major trophy—the Marshal Tito Cup in 1987 under the guidance of the legendary Dragutin Spasojević—might soon honor another Montenegrin.

If Hajduk secures a victory at Poljud, Rijeka will be crowned champion, clinching the title one round early.

Should Hajduk falter, even with a loss, Rijeka will have another opportunity in the final round, playing at home against Slaven Belupo.

A unique and dramatic conclusion to this national championship is nearing, prompted by a significant misstep from Dinamo, who drew 1:1 against their city rivals Lokomotiva Zagreb.

Now level at the top, Rijeka and Dinamo are both on equal points, but with Đalović’s team holding a game in hand and a superior head-to-head record. It’s a tight race, and it would be a pity to miss this golden opportunity.

At the start of the season, as well as during the mid-point, Rijeka’s manager made substantial changes, offloading almost the entire squad from the previous season, including their best defender to direct competitors Dinamo. Despite these challenges, Đalović has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround!

This comes against the backdrop of much pricier rivals like Dinamo and Hajduk, the latter of which was eliminated from title contention two rounds ago.

One win is all that stands between Rijeka and the championship; two more victories could clinch a double crown—especially with a rematch of the Cup final against Slaven, taking place at home after a 1:1 draw in the first leg in Koprivnica.

A grand football celebration is brewing in Kvarner, with a Montenegrin at the forefront.

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