What Is 2019 Croatian Football Super Cup

Overview

The 2019 Croatian Football Super Cup was an annual one-off football match that traditionally opens the Croatian football season. It pits the winners of the previous season’s Prva HNL league championship against the winners of the Croatian Cup. In 2019, this contest featured Dinamo Zagreb and Rijeka, two of Croatia’s most successful clubs outside the traditional top tier.

The match serves as a curtain-raiser for the new football season and is considered a prestigious, though secondary, trophy in Croatian football. Played at Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb, the venue has hosted the Super Cup multiple times due to Dinamo’s frequent appearances. The 2019 edition was the 22nd iteration of the competition since its inception in 1992.

• Dinamo Zagreb entered as league champions after winning the 2018–19 Prva HNL title with 78 points, finishing 13 points ahead of second place.
• Rijeka qualified by defeating Lokomotiva 3–2 in the 2019 Croatian Cup final, securing their second cup title in club history.
• The match was played on July 13, 2019, making it one of the earliest Super Cup fixtures in recent years due to scheduling adjustments.
• Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb hosted the game, a neutral venue only in name since it is Dinamo’s home stadium.
• Dinamo Zagreb won 2–1, with goals from El Arabi Hillel Soudani and Dani Olmo, while Rijeka’s goal came from Ante Erceg.

Qualification & Teams

The participants in the 2019 Croatian Football Super Cup were determined by their achievements in the 2018–19 domestic season. Unlike some leagues where the Super Cup might include runners-up under certain conditions, Croatia strictly follows a champions vs. cup winners format. This ensures the match maintains its symbolic value as a clash between the best league performer and the top knockout tournament side.

• League Champions: Dinamo Zagreb won the 2018–19 Prva HNL with a record of 24 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses, accumulating 78 points.
• Cup Winners: Rijeka captured the Croatian Cup by defeating Lokomotiva 3–2 in the final on May 22, 2019, at Stadion Rujevica.
• Head-to-Head History: Prior to the Super Cup, Dinamo and Rijeka had met 12 times in all competitions that season, with Dinamo winning 7.
• Managerial Leadership: Damir Krznar managed Rijeka, while Dinamo was led by interim coach Nenad Bjelica after Marjan Mladenović’s departure.
• Attendance: Approximately 18,500 fans attended the match, reflecting strong local interest despite summer scheduling.
• Referee: The game was officiated by Ivan Bebek, a FIFA-listed referee known for handling high-profile domestic fixtures.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of key performance metrics between Dinamo Zagreb and Rijeka during the 2018–19 season and in the Super Cup match itself:

This data highlights Dinamo Zagreb’s dominance in domestic football, particularly in head-to-head matchups. While Rijeka had a strong season, finishing second in the league and winning the cup, they were still underdogs in the Super Cup. The final scoreline reflected this imbalance, though Rijeka managed to score and keep the game competitive into the second half.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Croatian Football Super Cup, while not a major continental event, holds symbolic and practical significance in the Croatian football calendar. It marks the official start of the new season and gives fans an early glimpse of form, tactics, and squad depth. For clubs, it offers a chance to secure silverware and build momentum before league play resumes.

• Season Opener: The match traditionally kicks off the Croatian football season, setting the tone for the months ahead.
• Prestige Factor: Winning the Super Cup adds to a club’s trophy count and enhances domestic legacy, especially for smaller clubs like Rijeka.
• Player Morale: A victory boosts team confidence and can influence early-season performances in league and European competitions.
• Commercial Value: The game attracts local sponsors, media coverage, and ticket sales, contributing to club revenues.
• Youth Exposure: Coaches often test younger players, giving emerging talents like Luka Sučić (on Dinamo’s bench) valuable first-team experience.
• European Implications: Strong Super Cup performances can influence seeding in UEFA competitions by building team cohesion and form.

Ultimately, the 2019 edition reinforced Dinamo Zagreb’s dominance in Croatian football while showcasing Rijeka’s resilience as consistent challengers. As Croatian football continues to develop, the Super Cup remains a key fixture in the national sports landscape.