MARKO BARIŠIĆ AND VJESNIK STAFF
Rijeka was crowned 2024/25 HNL champions after a dramatic three-way final day battle on Monday morning (AEST).
Rijeka pair Niko Janković and Toni Fruk killed off Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split’s chances, scoring either side of half-time, to send the home fans into raptures.
It left Dinamo and Hajduk fans despondent, after going into the historic final day full of hope.
Dinamo only needed to better Rijeka’s result, however Hajduk needed both Rijeka and Dinamo to lose.
Never before had three clubs entered the final round with a chance to win the title, with capacity crowds at all three key venues.
The championship trophy was ready and waiting in a helicopter at a central location, near Bosiljevo in Gorski Kotar, ready to be dispatched to the appropriate venue at the final whistle.
And hosting fifth-place Slaven Koprivnica, Rijeka was in the box seat, with a win guaranteeing Rijeka the title.
It was a contrast in emotions at the break, with Rijeka’s Rujevica Stadium in party mode, a rather subdued atmosphere ensuing in Zagreb, whilts it was sombre for Hajduk Split fans in Šibenik.
Rijeka led Slaven 1–0, with former Dinamo product Niko Janković opening the scoring in the 12th minute, with chants of “We love you, Rijeka” echoing from the stands.
Slaven had a goal disallowed by VAR due to offside.
But Dinamo remained in the running, also taking the lead against Varaždin with a goal from Petar Sučić in the 39th minute.
Moments earlier, Varaždin had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside.
In Šibenik, talisman Marko Livaja was trying to manufacture some magic, in an otherwise disappointing first half for Hajduk, who had a mountain to climb at half-time.
Hajduk’s half-time substitute Rokas Pukštas netted late on to keep Hajduk in the contest. But it was to no avail.
Hajduk’s day was compounded with Livaja sent off late in the match, completing a mixed season for the star striker, where he finished as golden boot (19 goals).
Thereafter a delay ensued as Hajduk fans threw a succession of flares onto the pitch.
Despite the slip up in Split last week, Rijeka held its nerve when it mattered.
Thousands of Rijeka supporters gathered in the city centre, with celebrations kicking off from the final whistle.
Fruk left the pitch in the 85th minute to a standing ovation from the entire stadium.
It was a second league title for Rijeka.
ROLLERCOASTER 2024/25 SEASON
It caps off perhaps the most riveting HNL title race since the formation of the league, with headline makers to boot.
Hajduk’s pre-season splurge added spice to the 2024/25 season, headlined by ex-AC Milan and Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, who didn’t disappoint and included the infamous blow up with pundit Joško Jeličić, barking “I have no respect for you”.
Croatian legend Ivan Rakitić’s midfield arrival gave the sleeping giants added hope leading into the season.
And fan favourite Marko Livaja has stepped up, remaining fit for the entire season to claim the golden boot award.
Rijeka’s consistency was crucial, underlined by the emergence of Toni Fruk, who was rewarded with a Croatia call up, and ex-Dinamo and Hajduk attacker Duje Čop, whose goals were critical for Riječki Bijeli.
Dinamo’s Croatia internationals, midfielders Martin Baturina and Petar Sučić remained amid European interest, to play a pivotal role in keeping their title hopes alive.
The biggest inspiration appeared to come via the recent return of Zvonimir Boban.
Dinamo looked down and out, trailing Hajduk by eight points in early April, before Fabio Cannavaro’s sacking and the announcement of Boban’s arrival as chairman (from June1) turned their season.
Dinamo interim coach Sandro Perković – their fourth coach of the season – ignited the revival.
Hajduk’s 3-1 home loss to Dinamo in early May confirmed a genuine three-way title-race, which went down to the wire.