Osijek opened the 2024‑25 Croatian First Football League with a 2‑0 away win over Gorica at the Gradski stadion in Velika Gorica. Goals came early: Ivan Dolček scored in the 7th minute and Nail Omerović converted a penalty in the 14th. New coach Federico Bessone praised the team's mentality shift and praised the players’ pressing and attacking play. Gorica struggled to create chances, managing only nine shots, while Osijek recorded 27 attempts. Gorica goalkeeper Davor Matijaš made several saves, but could not prevent the defeat. Post‑match comments highlighted the gap in quality: Mario Carević said Gorica is not yet competitive, while Ivković called the performance an “pleasant surprise” for Osijek. The win gives Osijek three points and a strong start under Bessone, while Gorica faces a challenging season ahead.
Entities: Alen Peternac · Federico Bessone · GNK Dinamo Zagreb · Gonzalo García · Gorica · HNK Rijeka · Hajduk Split · Istra 1961 · Istra 1961 Pula · Ivan Dolček · Lokomotiva · Lokomotiva Zagreb
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rijeka will play a Conference League third‑qualifying‑round match against Ilves on 6 August. (7497943d)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Alen Peternac said NK Rudeš has added eight new players and still needs three or four more to complete its squad. (b5384269)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Dinamo Zagreb will play a Champions League third‑qualifying‑round match against Kaunas on 11 August. (7497943d)
- [● 4 SOURCES] HNK Rijeka will play NK Rudeš in the opening match of the 2026/27 HNL season at Stadion Rujevica. (d81572ff, a02929ec, b5384269, f3209bad)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The second‑round HNL derby between GNK Dinamo Zagreb and HNK Rijeka was postponed because both clubs have overlapping European fixtures. (7497943d, 236f72d3)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Competition commissioner Antonio Grahovac approved the postponement without requiring consent from the clubs. (7497943d, 236f72d3)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Coach Matjaž Kek said the championship is a marathon of 36 rounds and emphasized the need for aggression in the final third of matches. (d81572ff, a02929ec)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Alen Peternac said his goal is for his team to win every match this season. (b5384269)