[REVISION HISTORY]

Balkan clubs begin 2024‑25 seasons

Updated 20 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-03 02:32 UTC → 2026-08-03 07:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Late July 2026 saw Balkan clubs launch their 2024‑25 campaigns. Handball giant RK Zagreb started preseason under new coach Hrvoje Horvat, adding signings and arranging friendlies before the EHF Champions League. In Croatian football, defending champions GNK Dinamo Zagreb opened the First Football League on 30 July with a 2‑0 win over Slaven Belupo, both goals by Dion Drena Beljo, and signed midfielder Kiril Kravcov. Coach Mario Kovačević made eight changes after a recent Champions League qualifier and urged more goals ahead of a Europa League tie with Kauno Žalgiris. VAR‑influenced drama marked the opening round: Lokomotiva edged Istra 1961 3‑2 after a stoppage‑time header confirmed by VAR, while goals by the 17‑year‑old Škafar Žužić twins were nullified, sparking fan protest. New Gorica coach Federico Bessone pledged a cultural shift. On 31 July, Osijek beat Gorica 2‑0 away, with early strikes from Ivan Dolček and a penalty by Nail Omerović. Bessone highlighted a mentality shift, pressing intensity and attacking play, while Gorica’s Mario Carević admitted his side was not yet competitive. Goalkeeper Davor Matijaš made several saves, and Ivković called Osijek’s performance a “pleasant surprise.” Two days later, Varaždin defeated Hajduk Split 2‑1. Mario Mladenovski and Luka Mamić scored for Varaždin; Rokas Pukštas replied for Hajduk, and goalkeeper Josip Silić saved a last‑minute penalty from Marko Livaja. Coach Gonzalo García criticised Hajduk’s sluggish first half, citing a congested schedule and fatigue, and said the club is seeking reinforcements. Analyst Samir Toplak echoed concerns about squad imbalance, while former referee Patrik Kolarić was singled out for inconsistent decisions. The defeat provoked a hostile reaction from Hajduk supporters, who set fire to seats and displayed anti‑Dalić banners.

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