Varaždin takes HNL lead after victory over Rudeš

Varaždin has taken the top spot in the Croatian First Football League (HNL) following a 2-0 victory against Rudeš. Goals from Aleksa Latković in the 72nd minute and Ivan Canjuga in the 84th minute secured the win, allowing Varaždin to leapfrog Dinamo Zagreb in the standings.

In other league action, Dinamo Zagreb played to a 2-2 draw against Istra 1961 in Pula. Istra took the lead twice through Hamza Jaganjac and Dukan Ahmeti, but Dinamo managed to equalize both times, with Smail Prevljak scoring in the 84th minute to secure the point. This result follows a period of tension for Dinamo, including a meeting between club president Zvonimir Boban and coach Mario Kovačević regarding the team's recent performance and European qualification struggles.

Off the pitch, Dinamo is facing potential roster changes as the transfer window nears its end. Reports suggest defender Sergi Dominguez may be transferred to a top-five European league for a fee potentially reaching 10-11 million euros, while interest in Luka Stojković is also noted. Additionally, a racism allegation has been raised by the Norwegian club Viking against Dinamo player Arbër Hoxha following their recent match.