Hajduk happy at halfway

Bright start
The 3-1 win in Saturday's 127th meeting of the sides means HNK go into the winter break with 40 points from their 17 matches, three more than Dinamo. HNK were three goals ahead after just 35 minutes in front of 20,00 fans at their Poljud stadium. Dejan Racunica, Petar Krpan and captain Srdjan Andric all registered before Dinamo's 19-year-old captain Niko Kranjcar restored some pride with a goal seven minutes before half-time.

Vulic happy
However, Dinamo hopes of a comeback were dashed when Bostjan Cesar was sent off moments later, and there was to be no further scoring. "God sent us Dejan Racunica," said Hajduk coach Zoran Vulic. "He scored the opening goal and led the way to winning the autumn part of the season."

Zekic on form
While many expect Hajduk and Dinamo to fight it out for the title, the rest are left to battle in their wake. The nearest rival is NK Kamen Ingrad, who made sure of third place by beating HNK Cibalia 3-2, although they remain 12 points behind second-placed Dinamo. In Kamen Ingrad's favour is Zoran Zekic, the league's top scorer with 13 goals.

Close behind
NK Osijek slipped up in their final game before the break, going down 3-2 at home against HNK Rijeka. They had not lost for five matches but have to settle for fourth spot, while NK Zadar have joined them on 23 points after a fourth game without defeat.

Struggle to survive
At the other end of the table, Miroslav Blazevic guided his new team NK Varteks to a strong finish, following up a 2-0 victory against Hajduk last week with a 1-1 draw at NK Zagreb. The latter side are third from bottom and despite the presence of Robert Prosinecki they look a long way off the team that won the title two years ago. NK Marsonia are bottom after changing coach four times and will hope for improved fortunes when the league restarts on 21 February.