The Kvarner Bay has experienced three golden football periods: the first highlighted by the Marshal Tito Cup in the 1970s, the second by Croatia’s inaugural title eight years ago, and the third distinguished by a fresh title when Rijeka was unexpectedly found near the top.

A common thread in all these eras is the significant contribution of Montenegrin players—ranging from Dragutin Spasojevic and Miodrag Kustudić to Rade and Marko Vešović, culminating with Radomir Đalović, a player who may one day receive a monument at “Rujevica” or “Kantrida.”

The former “Falcon” striker captivated fans along the Adriatic coast with his goals, playing a key role in Rijeka’s pursuit of its second title this season and moving closer to a potential double crown.

Spasojević and the “Flying Fortress”

For many years, Rijeka oscillated between the second and first tiers of Yugoslav football, seemingly waiting endlessly for cup victories…

That changed in 1978 with the arrival of Dragutin Spasojević from Nikšić, noted for his dark glasses. He was joined by Miodrag Kustudić, the “flying fortress” as dubbed by Croatian media.

With their influence, Rijeka finally broke into the elite of a formidable Yugoslav league, bringing the Marshal Tito Cup to Kvarner, thus making history.

Spasojević then continued without the big four while largely fielding players nurtured from his academy, while Kustudić scored against heavyweights like Partizan, Hajduk, and Velež en route to the trophy.

The groundwork was laid, and Rijeka clinched the Cup the following year, albeit without the Montenegrin duo.

Two Eras of Vešović

For Rade Vešović and Rijeka, it was love at first sight. The former Budućnost player won over fans upon arriving at the club in 1989, making a significant impact in just two years. He departed before the disintegration of Yugoslavia but later reflected on Rijeka’s importance to him.

“When I left Rijeka on August 28, 1991, with my twins Marko and Nikola, I boarded the ship to Dubrovnik filled with regret. Tears welled up as I glanced back at Rijeka, questioning if I would ever see this city again. I yearned to stay in Kvarner, but alas, circumstances dictated otherwise,” Vešović recalled in an interview with “Večernji list”.

One of the twins born that August, Marko Vešović, would become a Rijeka legend 26 years later, playing a pivotal role in achieving the club’s first championship title in the unforgettable 2016/17 season.

The “Falcon” defender was crucial in directing Rijeka’s gameplay and served as the team’s top assistant that season.

Rijeka achieved a double crown that same year, with another Montenegrin, Aleksandar Sofranac, playing a part under head coach Matjaž Kek.

Đalevo’s Humanity is Invaluable

Radomir Đalović first endeared himself to Rijeka fans through his scoring prowess. He was the team’s second-top scorer in the 2007/08 season, netting 18 goals, and later returned to the club after a stint at Rapid Bucharest. Over his time at Rijeka, he played 87 matches and scored 37 goals.

A new chapter began in 2022 when Đalović returned to Kvarner, this time as a coaching assistant.

At the start of the current season, he took on the role of head coach. This marked his first independent managerial role, leading to a championship trophy for Rijeka, with the Cup final awaiting on Thursday.

Perhaps even more memorable than the title will be his courageous decision from last season, when he was the only member of the Rijeka coaching staff to refuse to join then-coach Sergej Jakirović in transferring to Dinamo.

A special banner has recently appeared during Rijeka’s training session.

“Djale, your humanity is invaluable.”

In addition to the aforementioned Montenegrins, the Rijeka jersey has been donned by today’s left back “Falcon” Andrija Vukčević, along with Momčilo Raspopović and Milan Đurišić. While they did not win any cups, they made notable contributions to the Rujevica team.

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