Dominant Dinamo seal another Croatian double

GNK Dinamo Zagreb completed the domestic double for the second successive season by defeating NK Osijek in the Croatian Cup final.

Following a goalless first leg, Dinamo recorded a 3-1 victory in the return at Stadion Maksimir, a match which proved anything but straightforward for the Prva Liga champions, who were indebted to Ivan Kelava for saving a second-half penalty while leading 2-1.

Strikes from Mateo Kovačić (51) and Fatos Beqiraj (62) had Dinamo coasting towards their 12th Croatian Cup until Šime Vrsaljko's own goal (68) afforded the visitors, ninth in the top flight, a route back into the tie.

With Dinamo struggling to find their earlier rhythm, Josip Lukačević had the chance to put the visitors ahead on away goals, but his spot kick was stopped by Kelava. Luis Ibáñez's late effort put the seal on the capital club's 11th trophy success in the last six years.

"Football can be thrilling and that was shown in this match," said Dinamo coach Ante Čačić. "It was a very exciting match and after we took a 2-0 lead I was afraid like never before because this was a cup competition, not the league. Osijek had many chances, maybe too many, but we had the luck today and his name was Kelava."