A goal was disallowed for Dinamo Zagreb, the match was interrupted for several minutes due to fireworks. 14 yellow cards were handed out, while the 1:1 equalizer came in the 12th minute of extra time. All of this was seen on Saturday in the fiery and dramatic match between Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk at the “Maksimir” stadium, which belonged to the 16th round of the Croatian elite championship.
This great Croatian derby, like many others, was decided once again by Arbër Hoxha. The Albanian striker, in super form, scored the goal to make it 1:1 for Dinamo Zagreb, in the 102nd minute.
Sandro Kulenović's shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Hoxha took advantage of the rebound and scored for the final score and to keep Dinamo Zagreb at the top of the table. Michele Sego scored for the guests in the 68th minute.
"This means a lot to me, but I'm not happy with just one point. I think we were very good, we had a lot of chances to score in the first half, just like in the second half. Hajduk had no chance except the goal and they scored from the first opportunity. Then it was difficult to get back into the game. I scored for 1:1 and that's the most important thing for me, to stay in first place. Two weeks ago we were in second place and now we are first. We also play in Europe and we are a little tired. We don't need motivation for Europe. We will play against Betis and we have a lot of quality", emphasized Hoxha after the match.
Dinamo Zagreb is in first place with 32 points, one more than Hajduk Split.
Hoxha completed the match and was considered one of the best on the field. Adrion Pajaziti played for Hajduk until the 86th minute, while Ron Raçi played the entire match.
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Hoxha wins the penalty that secured a point for Dinamo
For the 27-year-old Hoxha, it was the sixth goal scored in the current season. He also has three assists, two in the championship and one in the Croatian Cup.
Hoxha has been at Dinamo Zagreb since January 2024 when he was transferred from Slaven Belupo, and has a contract until 2029. In Croatia, he also played for Lokomotiva, a team he joined from Balkani Suhareka. In Kosovo, Hoxha also played for Istog, Prishtina, Hajvalia and Besa e Pejës. After moving to the Croatian elite championship, Hoxha has scored several important goals. And he has been very decisive in derby matches even earlier.
At the beginning of November, the derby of the 12th round was decided. Dinamo defeated the reigning Croatian champion, Rijeka, 2:1 at the “Maksimir”. Hoxha's super goal secured full points for Dinamo. He had also scored against Rijeka last year on the road, in a 2:1 victory.
