Mladost completed a dramatic turnaround in the Croatian League semifinals, defeating Jug Dubrovnik 12–9 in the decisive third game to advance to the national final for the first time since 2021. They will now face reigning champions Jadran Split in the best-of-five final series, beginning on May 7.
Mladost Survives and Thrives in High-Stakes Semifinal Series
After losing the opening game at home (8–10), Mladost appeared to be on the ropes. In the second match in Dubrovnik, they were trailing until the final seconds, but managed to equalize with 28 seconds remaining before winning a tense penalty shootout. That resilience carried into the third and final game of the series in Zagreb.
Jug led for most of the match and held a commanding 8–4 advantage in the third quarter. But Mladost produced a stunning 8–1 run in the final 12 minutes, turning the game—and the series—on its head.
How the Game Unfolded: A Late Surge Seals the Win
Jug took early control, going up 3–1 in the first quarter and maintaining a two-goal cushion through halftime (5–3). Marko Žuvela extended their lead to 6–3 early in the third, and Sergi Cabanas capitalized on a man-up play to make it 8–4. At that point, it looked like Jug was heading to the final.
Luka Bukić, however, sparked Mladost’s comeback with back-to-back powerplay goals. Although Maro Šušić restored Jug’s lead to 9–6 late in the third period, that would be the visitors’ final goal of the match.
Franko Lazić equalized at 9–9 with a tricky shot, and Andrija Bašić gave Mladost the lead during a 6-on-5 with just two minutes remaining. With 48 seconds to go, Bukić added his fourth goal, and Biljaka sealed the win with a shot into the empty net following a failed 7-on-6 attack by Jug.
Goalkeeper Ivan Marcelić was instrumental throughout, registering 12 saves and standing tall during the most crucial moments.
Jug’s decision to replace young goalkeeper Ivan Jurišić with veteran Toni Popadić late in the match couldn’t shift the momentum back in their favor.
Mladost’s First Final of the Season
After a difficult season that included a 5th-place finish in the Regional League and semifinal exits in both the Croatian Cup and the Euro Cup, Mladost will now compete for the national title. Their opponent, Jadran Split, is aiming to defend its championship and claim a third consecutive league title.
The first match of the Croatian League final series takes place in Split on May 7.
2025 Croatian League Playoffs – Semifinal Game 3
Mladost – Jug 12:9
(1:3, 2:2, 4:4, 5:0)
Series result: Mladost wins 2–1
5th–8th Place Playoff
Mornar – Zadar 1952 16:13
(3:2, 5:3, 5:5, 3:3)
First leg result: Mornar 17–16
Mornar will face Primorje in the 5th-place series.
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