Mladost produced a dominant performance in the Croatian Men’s League on Saturday, dismantling previously unbeaten Jadran Split 16-8 in Zagreb to move clear at the top of the standings.
The fifth round also delivered a surprise in Rijeka, where Medvescak claimed their first victory of the season against Primorje, while Jug Dubrovnik returned to winning ways against KPK.
Mladost deliver statement victory
Saturday’s heavyweight clash was the third meeting between Mladost and Jadran in October, following encounters in the Croatian Super Cup and Champions League.
Jadran made the stronger start, leading 2-1 after the opening quarter, but Mladost responded emphatically.
The hosts scored five consecutive goals in the second period to establish a 6-2 advantage, before another four-goal run after half-time extended their lead to 10-4.
A dominant 7-2 third quarter effectively settled the contest, with Mladost eventually completing an eight-goal victory.
Tin Brubnjak and Marko Radulovic scored four goals each, while Luka Vukicevic added three.
Mladost’s defensive performance was equally impressive, restricting Jadran to just two goals from eleven extra-player opportunities.
The victory ends Jadran’s perfect domestic record and moves Mladost to 15 points from five matches.
Medvescak shock Primorje in Rijeka
Elsewhere, Medvescak celebrated their first victory of the campaign with a dramatic 16-15 penalty shootout success against Primorje.
The visitors controlled much of the encounter, establishing a 10-6 advantage before Primorje mounted an impressive comeback.
The hosts eventually equalised at 11-11 with less than 90 seconds remaining, forcing a penalty shootout.
Medvescak held their nerve to secure the victory and collect their first points of the season.
Jug bounce back in convincing fashion
Jug Dubrovnik ended a run of two consecutive defeats with a comfortable 20-10 away victory over KPK on Friday.
The hosts remained competitive for three quarters, trailing 13-9 entering the final period, before Jug dominated the closing eight minutes 7-1.
Vlaho Pavlic led the scoring with five goals, while eleven different Jug players found the net.
Round 5 concludes on Wednesday, 28 October, when unbeaten Solaris host Mornar and Zadar face POSK.
Croatian Men’s League – Round 5 Results
- Mladost 16-8 Jadran Split
- Primorje 15-16 Medvescak (penalties; 11-11 after regulation)
- KPK 10-20 Jug Dubrovnik
Remaining fixtures – 28 October
- Solaris vs Mornar
- Zadar 1952 vs POSK 1937
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