The prelude to the match was the sudden and unexpected absence of Dinamo's striker. Then-teenager Stjepan Deverić reported an injury at the last moment, and media speculation suggested that the young footballer was dissatisfied because the club had not paid him alleged previous debts. In any case, coach Ivan Đalma Marković had to make some adjustments to the lineup, and ultimately got it right. Dinamo defeated Hajduk 2-1 in the derby at Maksimir Stadium.

All three goals came in the first half. Dinamo scored both goals within just three minutes, in the 16th and 19th minutes, and in both cases the inspiration behind the attacks was the brilliant Abid Kovačević.

The Blues found the net when Kovačević played the ball into empty space, where Zlatko Cico Kranjčar made his run, shook off his marker, pushed the ball ahead of himself and struck a powerful low shot with his left foot from 14 metres into the near corner.

Shortly after, Kovačević intercepted the ball in midfield and sent it right where Dragan Bošnjak was unmarked. He cut back in front of goal, the goalkeeper made a short save and Drago Dumbović rushed in to tap home for 2-0.

The home side had another chance for a third goal shortly after, when Džemal Mustedanagić assisted Dumbović, who on this occasion was not accurate enough.

The Split side got back into the game in the 37th minute in an attack involving twin brothers Zoran and Zlatko Vujović. Zoran set up Zlatko, who scored from six metres on the left side.

At the start of the second half, Kovačević was in a good position after a one-two with Kranjčar, but sent the ball wide of the goal. Somewhat later, the lively and omnipresent Kovačević drove towards goal, the home defenders tore his shirt, but the referee did not point to the penalty spot. The force of the foul was such that Dinamo's winger was left with half his shirt...

In the very final moments of the match, Hajduk midfielder Mladen Bogdanović missed a chance to equalize.