Croatian First Division: 2013/14 May be Best Yet

Domestic football champions Dinamo Zagreb drew 0:0 on Sunday with NK Zadar to give the Croatian national league table a rather unique look after 11 rounds.

Dinamo Zagreb have won the domestic league every year since 2006, but their attempt at their 9th straight title may not be a walk in the park as most years have been. Dinamo Zagreb are still top of the league, but there is just one point separating them with the top four side sides. In what usually has been a one (Dinamo Zagreb), and sometimes two (Hajduk Split) horse race over the last decade in Croatia, the 2013-14 season may prove to be the most exciting in a long time. Already with 3 draws and a loss, Dinamo Zagreb have 24 points, just one ahead of Lokomotiva in 4th on 23. Hajduk Split and Rijeka this season have looked up for it, and after Rijeka’s impressive display in Europe where they knocked out VfB Stuttgart to qualify for the UEFA Europa League, they could be the surprise package this season.

Table after 11 rounds
1.    Dinamo Zagreb  24
2.    Rijeka    23
3.    Hajduk    23
4.    Lokomotia  23
5.    Split  15
6.    Istra 1961  14
7.    Zadar  11
8.    Hrvatski dragovoljac  7   
9.    Slaven Belupo  6
10.  Osijek  6