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Dinamo Zagreb Clinches 2025-26 Croatian League Title After Dramatic 32nd Round
By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport
ZAGREB — Dinamo Zagreb secured the 2025-26 SuperSport Hrvatska nogometna liga title on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Varaždin, capping a season of dominance that saw the club finish 13 points clear at the top of the table. The win, combined with second-place Hajduk Split’s 0-0 draw against Rijeka, mathematically confirmed Dinamo’s 25th Croatian league championship and third consecutive title.
The Championship-Clinching Moment
Dinamo entered Sunday’s match against Varaždin needing just one point to guarantee the title, but manager Sergej Jakirović opted for an attacking approach that paid off in the 67th minute. Midfielder Luka Ivanušec broke the deadlock with a curling shot from outside the box, and substitute Ivan Šaranić doubled the lead in the 82nd minute. Varaždin pulled one back through a late penalty, but Dinamo held on for the three points that triggered celebrations across Zagreb.
“This is for our fans, our city, and everyone who believed in us,” Ivanušec told reporters after the match. “We knew the math, but we wanted to win it with style.” The victory marked Dinamo’s 24th win of the season — the most in the league — and extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches.
Standings Snapshot: How the League Finished
The final table reflects Dinamo’s commanding performance, with the club amassing 76 points from 32 matches. Here’s how the rest of the league shaped up:
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dinamo Zagreb | 32 | 24 | 4 | 4 | +59 | 76 |
| 2 | Hajduk Split | 32 | 18 | 7 | 7 | +22 | 61 |
| 3 | Varaždin | 32 | 13 | 8 | 11 | -1 | 47 |
| 4 | Rijeka | 32 | 11 | 10 | 11 | +5 | 43 |
| 5 | Lokomotiva | 32 | 10 | 11 | 11 | -9 | 41 |
| 6 | Slaven Belupo | 32 | 9 | 11 | 12 | -9 | 38 |
| 7 | Istra 1961 | 31 | 10 | 6 | 15 | -11 | 36 |
| 8 | Gorica | 31 | 9 | 8 | 14 | -7 | 35 |
| 9 | Osijek | 32 | 7 | 11 | 14 | -20 | 32 |
| 10 | Vukovar 1991 | 32 | 5 | 10 | 17 | -29 | 25 |
Source: Official SuperSport HNL standings as of April 27, 2026
Key Storylines from the Final Round
1. Hajduk’s Late Surge Falls Short
Hajduk Split entered the final weekend with an outside chance of overtaking Dinamo, but their 0-0 draw against Rijeka in the Adriatic Derby left them 13 points adrift. The match, played in front of a packed Stadion Rujevica, saw both teams create chances but fail to convert, with Rijeka goalkeeper Ivan Lučić making several key saves. The result extended Hajduk’s winless streak against Rijeka to five matches.
“We had our moments, but we just couldn’t find the back of the net,” Hajduk manager Mislav Karoglan said. “Congratulations to Dinamo — they were the best team this season.”
2. Vukovar 1991 Secures Survival with Dramatic Draw
The league’s bottom club, Vukovar 1991, secured a crucial 2-2 draw against Slaven Belupo in the 32nd round, a result that confirmed their survival at the expense of Istra 1961. Vukovar trailed 2-0 at halftime but scored twice in the final 15 minutes, including a 90th-minute equalizer from substitute Marko Tolić. The draw left Istra 1961 three points behind with one game remaining, though Istra still has a match in hand.
“This is a huge relief for our club and our fans,” Vukovar captain Dario Melnjak said. “We showed character when it mattered most.”
3. Osijek and Lokomotiva Battle to Scoreless Draw
Osijek and Lokomotiva played out a tense 0-0 draw on Friday, a result that did little to help either side’s European ambitions. Osijek, who entered the match in ninth place, created the better chances but were denied by Lokomotiva’s disciplined defense and the heroics of goalkeeper Adrian Šemper. The draw left Osijek three points behind Gorica in the race for eighth place, while Lokomotiva remained fifth but failed to close the gap on fourth-place Rijeka.
What’s Next for Croatian Football
With the league title decided, attention now turns to the Croatian Cup final, which will be played on May 15 between Dinamo Zagreb and Rijeka. Dinamo will enter the match as favorites, seeking to complete a domestic double for the second consecutive season.
The 2026-27 SuperSport HNL season is scheduled to initiate on July 19, 2026, with Dinamo aiming to defend their title against a strengthened field. Hajduk Split, Rijeka, and Varaždin are all expected to push for the championship next season, while the battle to avoid relegation will once again be fierce at the bottom of the table.
Key Takeaways from the 2025-26 Season
- Dinamo’s Dominance: The club finished with 76 points — 13 more than second-place Hajduk — and conceded just 26 goals, the fewest in the league.
- Hajduk’s Resurgence: After a slow start, Hajduk lost just two of their final 15 matches, finishing with 61 points — their highest total since the 2018-19 season.
- Varaždin’s Breakthrough: The club finished third for the first time in its history, securing a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.
- Struggles at the Bottom: Vukovar 1991 survived relegation by just three points, while Istra 1961 will need to improve significantly next season to avoid the drop.
- Goal Drought: The final round featured three 0-0 draws, highlighting the league’s defensive trends. Only 14 goals were scored across the five matches.
How to Follow the SuperSport HNL
For official updates, standings, and fixtures, visit the SuperSport HNL website. Fans can also follow the league on social media via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
What do you think about Dinamo’s title-winning season? Will Hajduk bounce back next year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
