Rijeka (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Rijeka win the Croatian championship for the second time, edging Dinamo Zagreb on head-to-head record after both sides finish level on points.
The Croatian title race has reached its thrilling conclusion—and it’s Rijeka who emerge victorious, ending Dinamo Zagreb’s domestic reign and writing a new chapter in club history.
After a wild season full of twists, slumps, and resurgences, Rijeka sealed their second Prva HNL title with a 2–0 win over Slaven Belupo on the final day of the campaign. It’s the first time since 2016/17—when they were led by current Slovenia manager Matjaž Kek—that the club has lifted the league trophy.
The drama went down to the wire. Both Rijeka and Dinamo Zagreb finished the season tied on points, but Rijeka edged the champions thanks to a better head-to-head record, which proved decisive under Croatian league rules.
Dinamo did their part, beating Varaždin in their final fixture. But Rijeka’s home win ensured they stayed just ahead—despite Dinamo boasting a stronger attack, Rijeka’s superior defensive record and direct duels made the difference.
The title caps off one of the tightest races in recent HNL history, with Hajduk Split also featuring prominently before falling away late in the season, opening the door for Dinamo’s late surge. But in the end, Rijeka held firm, delivering a moment of pure joy to their supporters and bringing down a dynasty that had dominated for much of the past two decades.