The first big derby of the 2026 Croatian Championships lived up to expectations as Jadran Split defeated Mladost Zagreb 12:10 in Round 8, remaining the only unbeaten team in the league.

Played in Split, the clash between the reigning Croatian champions and the 2026 Croatian Cup winners swung dramatically in momentum, but it was the hosts’ blistering start and decisive late surge that ultimately proved decisive.

Lightning start from Jadran

Jadran exploded out of the blocks, racing to a 5:1 lead by the first break. Zvonimir Butić extended the advantage to 6:1 just a minute into the second period, and the home side maintained a five-goal cushion for much of the first half.

However, Mladost slowly regrouped. Trailing 2:7, the Zagreb outfit began chipping away at the deficit and reduced the gap to 7:5 by halftime, shifting the psychological balance heading into the second half.

Momentum swings in the third

The visitors’ comeback gathered pace in the third quarter. Deep into the period, Franko Lazić completed the turnaround to level the contest at 8:8. Still, Jadran managed to steady themselves and edged back in front, entering the final quarter with a narrow 9:8 advantage.

Mladost equalised immediately on their first possession of the fourth (9:9), setting up a tense finale.

Decisive 76 seconds

With the match hanging in the balance, Jadran delivered the knockout blow. Midway through the final quarter, the hosts produced a crucial 3:0 run, scoring three goals in just 76 seconds to surge ahead 12:9.

Defensively, they tightened up impressively, keeping Mladost scoreless for almost the entire remainder of the game. The visitors managed only a late consolation goal in the final minute as Jadran sealed a hard-earned 12:10 victory.

Key performers

Zvonimir Butić led the way for Jadran with four goals, while Fatović and Ćurković added two each.

For Mladost, Kharkov scored three goals, while Nagaev and Bukić contributed two apiece.

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Other Round 8 results

Elsewhere, Jug had to dig deep in Šibenik, overcoming Solaris 16:14 in an entertaining contest.
KPK Korčula and Zadar 1952 both secured important away wins in Split, defeating OVK Split and POSK 1937 respectively.
Primorje’s match against Medveščak was postponed, while Mornar had a bye.

Round 8 Results

• Jadran Split – Mladost 12:10 (5:1, 2:4, 2:3, 3:2)
• Solaris – Jug 14:16 (4:4, 2:4, 4:3, 4:5)
• OVK Split – KPK Korčula 11:16 (4:5, 0:1, 3:4, 4:6)
• POSK 1937 – Zadar 1952 9:13 (2:3, 2:2, 1:5, 4:3)
• Primorje – Medveščak (postponed)
• Mornar (bye)

Standings (after Round 8)

• Jadran – 7 matches – 21 pts
• Mladost – 8 – 21 pts
• Jug – 8 – 21 pts
• Medveščak – 6 – 15 pts
• Primorje – 6 – 12 pts
• Mornar – 7 – 9 pts
• Zadar 1952 – 7 – 9 pts
• Solaris – 7 – 6 pts
• KPK – 7 – 3 pts
• POSK – 7 – 0 pts
• OVK Split – 8 – 0 pts

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