Over the past 19 seasons of the Croatian football league, Dinamo has emerged as champion 18 times. This remarkable supremacy was briefly halted by Rijeka during the 2016/17 season when former Dinamo leader Zdravko Mamić declared: “You’ve seen this now, and who knows when it’ll happen again.”

Dinamo has maintained its stronghold on Croatian football even following Mamić’s departure a few seasons ago.

There were predictions that this dominance might come to an end, with the gap in quality and influence closing. Many saw Hajduk from Split, a historic club that hasn’t claimed the title in 20 years, as a potential challenger to Dinamo’s “reign of terror.”

Rijeka, however, wasn’t considered a serious contender, especially given its state compared to the ambitious and resourceful Rijeka team of 2016 and 2017, boasting the esteemed Slovenian coach Matjaž Kek.

Radomir Đalović, a former Montenegrin national team player and Rijeka legend, was given a chance to step up as head coach, starting his managerial journey as an assistant at the club from Rujevica (formerly known as Kantrida).

Before the season kicked off, Đalović’s superior, Damir Mišković, sold off nearly half the team, with key players traded during the winter. This wasn’t a last-minute decision but a necessary step for the club’s financial sustainability and competitive standing. Anyone hoping for such a Rijeka side to contend for titles was deemed unrealistic.

A year later, or even just six months down the line, traffic in the center of Rijeka will be restricted as fans gather to watch the final round of the championship on City Square, since not everyone can be seated in the “Rujevica” stadium.

At Rujevica, Đalović’s team is poised to play for the championship title. They need just a win against Slaven Belupo, a match that has little significance for the latter.

The Montenegrin coach could make history for the Kvarner club, achieving perhaps the most significant surprise since the HNL’s inception in 1991. He experienced a similar unexpected triumph as a player in 2002 while winning the championship with Zagreb under Cic Kranjčar.

These are indeed new times, characterized by one of the most unpredictable championships in Europe, where the top three teams seemed to be competing to lose the most points, leading to a thrilling conclusion.

– If someone had told me I would be at this press conference with the opportunity to become champions with a win, I would have given them everything in life – stated Đalović.

Rijeka will secure the title with a victory, as they hold a better head-to-head record against Dinamo. Zagreb is set to face Varaždin and will be watching for any slip from Rijeka. Interestingly, third-place Hajduk also has a chance to become champions if they win in Šibenik while Rijeka and Dinamo fail to secure victories!

The HNL will reach its climax today at 5 PM, with the trophy potentially moving between three stadiums, to be delivered to the champion via helicopter!

– How am I sleeping? Not well – but that’s irrelevant; I have time to catch up – Đalović responded to a reporter with a smile.

Regardless of the errors made by leading teams this season, the outcome remains uncertain – Slaven’s lack of necessity for points doesn’t change the stakes. Lokomotiv also didn’t need points in the last round and inadvertently assisted Rijeka.

They missed their opportunity last Sunday (losing to Hajduk in Split 2:1); today marks the last chance – now or perhaps never!

– I am proud and delighted, especially because I lead such remarkable individuals who have achieved something extraordinary. I once again congratulate them for that. However… in life, only winners are remembered. We all understand and recognize this – added Đalović.

The atmosphere at Rujevica is set to be electric – resembling a mini “Diego Armando Maradona” stadium from Friday night. While Napoli had no issues finishing their task against Cagliari, what about Rijeka?

– We must be cautious not to get overwhelmed by the atmosphere or lose focus in our eagerness. I am confident my players will rise to the occasion. Throughout this season, they’ve shown they can deliver, and I trust in their abilities – mentioned Đalović.

Rijeka will also play the second leg of the Cup final against the same opponent, at the same venue, on Thursday. It seems like a fairytale – the Montenegrin coach has a shot at winning a double title!

However, today’s focus is solely on the Cup final – 90 minutes toward making history.

18

Dinamo has been the Croatian champion in the last 19 seasons of the Croatian Football League. This “reign of terror” was only interrupted once by Rijeka during the 2016/17 season.

News