Season review: Croatia
Saturday, June 6, 2015
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It was all about GNK Dinamo Zagreb as they became the first side to go through the season unbeaten, on-loan Ángelo Henríquez shining before they completed the double.
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Champions: GNK Dinamo Zagreb
A historic campaign for Dinamo as they wrapped up their tenth consecutive championship in fine style, becoming the first team to go through a Croatian First League campaign undefeated (and one of only three in Europe this season). "It's a real joy to be in charge of a side like this," said coach Zoran Mamić, whose return to the club ten years ago – first as player, then as sporting director – heralded Dinamo's current spell of domestic dominance. Dinamo scored the most goals, conceded the least and finished 13 points clear of second-placed HNK Rijeka.
Cup final: GNK Dinamo Zagreb 0-0 RNK Split (Dinamo won 4-2 on pens)
Dinamo's seventh domestic double was no formality, with RNK Split putting in a noble effort in their first Croatian Cup final appearance before being edged out on spot kicks. "This crowns a perfect season for us," said Mamić. "It was a very exciting final and at the end we simply had more luck."
European places*
GNK Dinamo Zagreb – UEFA Champions League second qualifying round
HNK Rijeka – UEFA Europa League second qualifying round
HNK Hajduk Split – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
NK Lokomotiva Zagreb – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
*subject to final confirmation from UEFA
Player of the year: Ángelo Henríquez (GNK Dinamo Zagreb)
The Chile forward joined on loan from Manchester United FC in August and after taking a bit of time to adapt to his new surroundings he tore up the league. In 37 matches for Dinamo he scored 29 goals, 20 in the league, six in the Croatian Cup and three in the UEFA Europa League. By the close of the campaign, after a hat-trick against Hajduk Split, the 21-year-old admitted he had lost count.
One to watch: Marko Pjaca (GNK Dinamo Zagreb)
Yet another big talent to roll off the production line at Dinamo. Fast, with great power and technique, the 20-year-old winger has already been drafted into the Croatian senior side and contributed 11 top-flight goals this term.
Leading scorer: Andrej Kramarić (HNK Rijeka) – 21 goals**
Relegated: NK Zadar
Promoted: NK Inter Zaprešić
**Kramarić joined Leicester City FC in January
