# Balkan clubs start 2024–25 seasons amid fan unrest > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-clubs-begin-202425-seasons > Updated: 2026-08-24T20:03:00.000Z. Sources: 80. Developments: 7. Late July 2026 saw Balkan clubs launch their 2024–25 campaigns. Handball giant RK Zagreb began preseason under new coach Hrvoje Horvat, adding signings such as Marko Mamić and returning veteran Manuel Štrlek ahead of the EHF Champions League. In Croatian football, defending champions GNK Dinamo Zagreb opened the First Football League with a 2–0 win over Slaven Belupo, featuring two goals from Dion Drena Beljo. The club also announced the signing of Russian midfielder Kiril Kravcov. On 22 August, Dinamo maintained a perfect domestic record with a 3–1 comeback victory against Varaždin at Maksimir stadium. After Mario Mladenovski put Varaždin ahead in the 29th minute, Dinamo responded in the second half with goals from Dion Drena Beljo, Niko Galešić, and Robert Mudražija. Mudražija’s goal, scored in stoppage time, marked his first for the club. Former Croatian international Gordon Schildenfeld praised Mudražija’s performance, noting his intense focus and high-quality preparation beginning during the warm-up. The match was also noted for a display of fair play by Mislav Oršić, who intentionally allowed the ball to roll into the net to ensure the goal was credited to Mudražija. Former player Hrvoje Vejić commended Oršić for this sportsmanship, citing it as a positive example of veteran players supporting younger teammates. Dinamo manager Mario Kovačević praised the team’s “mutual respect and character” during the turnaround. This victory moved Dinamo to the top of the league table with nine points from three matches. Amidst these results, reports surfaced regarding goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. While Dinamo Zagreb reportedly offered a five-year contract, negotiations with Fenerbahçe stalled over financial disagreements. Negotiations for Livaković’s return to Dinamo have since collapsed; although Barcelona reportedly reached an agreement for a transfer valued at 2.5 million euros, Dinamo rejected a one-year loan proposal, insisting on a minimum two-year term. ## Claims - Josip Silić saved a penalty taken by Marko Livaja in the 90th minute. (disputed by 4 sources) - Dinamo Zagreb defeated Slaven Belupo 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026/2027 HNL season. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Both goals were scored by Dion Drena Beljo. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Varaždin defeated Hajduk Split 2-1 in the first round of the SuperSport HNL. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Antonio Melnjak was the referee for the match. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The match started at 20:00 and was broadcast on MAXSport 1. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević made up to eight changes to the squad for the opening match. (corroborated by 6 sources) - HNK Rijeka will play NK Rudeš in the opening match of the 2026/27 HNL season at Stadion Rujevica. (corroborated by 4 sources) - New signing Stjepan Radeljić made his debut and said his legs were shaking at the start of the match. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Robert Mudražija scores first goal for Dinamo Zagreb Robert Mudražija scored his first goal for Dinamo Zagreb in a 3-1 win over Varaždin, earning praise from former internationals Gordon Schildenfeld and Hrvoje Vejić for his preparation and teamwork. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robert-mudraija-scores-first-goal-for-dinamo-zagreb ### 2026-08-22: Dinamo Zagreb and Zrinjski secure key victories in regional football leagues Dinamo Zagreb secured a 3-1 comeback win against Varaždin in the HNL, while Zrinjski defeated Željezničar 2-0 in the Bosnian Premier League derby. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dinamo-zagreb-prepares-for-derby-against-high-flying-varadin ### 2026-08-02: Varaždin beats Hajduk Split 2-1 in season‑opening HNL match Varaždin beat Hajduk Split 2‑1 in the HNL opener; goals by Mladenovski and Mamić, Pukštas scored for Hajduk, and Silić saved Livaja’s penalty. Post‑match criticism, Torcida protest and Sigur’s absence followed. 38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marko-livaja-starts-for-hajduk-in-season-opener-against-varadin ### 2026-07-31: Osijek beats Gorica 2-0 to open HNL season Osijek defeated Gorica 2‑0 in the HNL opener, with goals by Dolček and Omerović, marking a strong debut for coach Bessone. 38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijekas-season-opener-set-as-derby-with-dinamo-postponed ### 2026-07-31: Bosnia's Velež and Croatia's Dinamo lead new football season in the Balkans Velež Mostar played four European games under coach Ibro Rahimić despite a thin squad, while Croatia's SuperSport league starts with Dinamo Zagreb defending the title and new foreign coaches joining several top 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bosnias-vele-and-croatias-dinamo-lead-new-football-season-in-the-balkans ### 2026-07-30: Dinamo Zagreb defeats Slaven Belupo 2-0 to open HNL season Dinamo Zagreb beat Slaven Belupo 2‑0 at Maksimir, with both goals by Dion Drena Beljo. Coach Kovačević made eight changes, new signing Kiril Kravcov arrived, and debutant Radeljić felt tremors. Referee: Antonio 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hrvatski-telekom-launches-vip-ticket-giveaway-for-dinamoslaven-belupo-match ### 2026-07-26: Zagreb handball club starts new season under coach Hrvoje Horvat RK Zagreb, under new coach Hrvoje Horvat and recent signings Marko Mamić and Manuel Štrlek, starts pre‑season training and aims for domestic dominance and a strong showing in the revamped Champions League group 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-handball-club-starts-new-season-under-coach-hrvoje-horvat --- Cite as: Balkan clubs start 2024–25 seasons amid fan unrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-clubs-begin-202425-seasons