Croatia round-up: Superb Hajduk defeat Dinamo

HNK Hajduk Split defeated NK Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 today to reduce their rivals' lead at the top of the Prva HNL to six points and keep alive their slim chances of winning the title.

Four points needed
Dinamo need four points from their last three matches to guarantee a seventh title since 1991. They have 72 points compared to Hajduk's 66, and are also ten goals better off than their closest rivals. Hajduk, who have won four championships since 1991, have beaten Dinamo three times this season, relying mostly on inspired wingers Milan Rapaić and Dario Srna.

Impressive spell
Dinamo took the lead on 32 minutes when Silvio Marić took advantage of a scramble in the penalty area to fire home from close range. Hajduk equalised four minutes from half-time through Dean Računica and sealed the points with three goals in an impressive ten-minute burst at the start of the second half. Srdjan Andrić, Racunica again and Vlatko Djolonga all registered before Dinamo's Silvio Maric was sent off in added time.
 
Struggling champions
NK Zagreb, who won the title last season, are bottom of the championship play-off standings this year after losing 2-1 to NK Cibalia, while NK Varteks and NK Kamen Ingrad drew 1-1 in Saturday's remaining match.

Early goal
In the relegation play-offs, leaders NK Slaven Belupo and NK Osijek played out a 1-1 draw. It took just 30 seconds for Sandro Klić to set NK Rijeka on their way to a 2-0 victory against NK Šibenik, Andre Mijatović adding the other. Finally, NK Zadarkomerc defeated NK Primorje 2-1.