Derby met the expectations

MAXtv Prva liga, Round 18

03.12.2016., Venue: Stadion Maksimir.

Attendance: 8.319

DINAMO – RIJEKA 1-1 (0-0)

Officials: Ante Vučemilović-Š. (Osijek), Borut Križarić, Goran Loparac, Mario Zebec

Dinamo (4-1-4-1): Livaković - Šitum (65. Stojanović), Sigali, Benković, Pivarić - Jonas - Soudani, Knežević (55. Henriquez), Gojak (71. Machado), Ćorić - Fernandes. Head coach: Ivajlo Petev.

Rijeka (4-2-3-1): Prskalo - Ristovski, Mitrović, Elez, Zuta - Bradarić, Maleš - Vešović, Mišić (90+2 Šofranac), Martic (81. Čanađija) - Gorgon. Head coach: Matjaž Kek.

Yellow cards: Mišić, Gojak, Martic, Vešović, Jonas, Sigali, Prskalo

Red card: Gorgon

Goalscorers: 0:1 Gorgon (51), 1:1 Sigali (77)

Derby of autumn part of the Croatian first division season between Dinamo and Rijeka ended in a draw (1-1). Rijeka arrived to Croatian capital as a leading team with six points advantage ahead of Dinamo.  

Dinamo head coach Ivaylo Petev decided to change his regular 4-2-3-1 formation into 4-1-4-1 to counter Rijeka threats. Brazilian Jonas played as a lone defensive midfielder, while Soudani, Knežević, Gojak and Ćorić played in midfield and Junior Fernandes acted as a striker.  

'Modri' were a better team throughtout the match, creating half a dozen of good opportunities. However, poor finishing resulted in only a 1-1 draw. In the second half Rijeka took the lead after quick counter attack. Austrian attacking midfileder Alexander Gorgon scored a placed shot in 51st minutes. Till the end of the match Dinamo managed to equalized. Algerian international Hilal Soudani crossed the ball from the right flank, while stopper Leonardo Sigali send the ball into the net in opposition 5-yards box.