Crazy Croatian title race down to the wire – can Hajduk end 20-year drought 

Hajduk Split looking to end a long drought

The Croatian SuperSport HNL is experiencing one of its most thrilling title races in recent memory. With just four rounds left in the 2024/25 season, the top three teams are separated by a single point.

Rijeka and Hajduk Split sit on 56 points, while Dinamo Zagreb is just behind on 55 points.  

This past weekend shook the title race wide open. Hajduk suffered a costly 2-0 defeat away to Osijek, continuing a worrying trend of poor form in April — a familiar story from last season.

Meanwhile, Dinamo reignited their title hopes with a 1-0 home victory over Rijeka at Maksimir, tightening the race even further.

In recent weeks, none of the top 3 have taken the league by the scruff of the neck and have all been upset by sides in the bottom half. 

For Hajduk fans, this season has been fuelled by hope, memories, and a yearning for long-awaited glory. The last time Hajduk Split lifted the Croatian title was back in 2005, 20 years ago.

Led by fiery Italian manager Gennaro Gattuso, Hajduk has spent much of this season at the top of the league, making fans dream that this could finally be the year.

Yet, history seems to haunt them. Much like last season, April has brought a worrying collapse: Hajduk has now gone seven consecutive matches without a goal from open play, and the creative spark seems to have dimmed at the worst possible time.

Dinamo’s Late Charge

Never write off Dinamo Zagreb. Despite a season filled with inconsistency and managerial upheaval, the champions have found their form at exactly the right moment.

Their victory over Rijeka not only put them back into contention but made it clear they won’t give up their crown without a fight.

However, the road ahead is not straightforward for Dinamo. Although they trail by only one point, the rules complicate their task: head-to-head records serve as the first tiebreaker in Croatia, and Dinamo are worse off against both Hajduk and Rijeka.

Against Hajduk, Dinamo have two losses and a draw; against Rijeka, despite equal points from head-to-head matches, they lost heavily (4-0) at Rujevica.

In simple terms: Dinamo must finish with more points than both Hajduk and Rijeka to be crowned champions. Drawing level will not be enough.

The Remaining Schedule

The final rounds will offer pure drama, with huge clashes and potential upsets:

Round 33:

• Hajduk vs Dinamo (massive direct clash that could decide everything)
• Rijeka vs Gorica

Round 34:

• Šibenik vs Rijeka
• Dinamo vs Slaven Belupo
• Gorica vs Hajduk

Round 35:

• Lokomotiva vs Dinamo
• Hajduk vs Rijeka (another titanic clash)

Round 36:

• Šibenik vs Hajduk
• Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo
• Dinamo vs Varaždin

Odds and Expectations

After this weekend’s results, the bookmakers have reacted: Hajduk and Dinamo are now equal favourites, both priced at 2.70, while Rijeka trails slightly at 3.00.

For Hajduk, everything hinges on reigniting their attack and surviving the upcoming showdown with Dinamo. For Rijeka, staying steady and taking advantage of the schedule could bring them a first title since 2017.

Dinamo, wounded but never dead, are hunting both rivals, hoping to pounce on any mistake.

Croatian football fans are in for a wild May, with memories, heartbreaks, and, for someone, a title just around the corner.