Futsal Istra spoils Dinamo’s Maksimir party in HMNL season opener

In the opening round of the Croatian Premier Futsal League (HMNL) at Maksimir Stadium, Futsal Istra came from behind to defeat Futsal Dinamo 2-1.

An incredible 4,000 fans were on hand at Dinamo Zagreb’s iconic stadium to witness a spectacular open air opening to the HMNL season.

The visitors, however, secured all three points and putting a dampener on what was an historic day for the Blues.

The historical spectacle beneath the southern (away supporters’) stand at Maksimir Stadium, sadly for the home fans, did not end with a Dinamo win.

According to a report in the Sportske Novosti, in the days prior to the season opener, there had been heated debate over what the new Maksimir Stadium should look like.

“But this weekend, its presumed predecessor demonstrated the essence of what it is all about – a place where people come together,” stated the Sportske Novosti report.

“A three-day Dinamo ‘dVikend’ was held at the ‘old’ Maksimir. The club itself presented it as part of the stadium’s “final chapter” and an opportunity to give it a proper farewell,” continued the report.

“The weekend long event began on Friday with the ‘Lollipop Open Air’ under the south stand, followed on Saturday by the ‘Dinamovo’ programme, sporting tournaments, activities for children, football, basketball, volleyball and foot-tennis.

“On the Sunday, the event went to an even higher level in search of a grand finale. A wooden court was installed below the southern stand, where KK Dinamo and KK Zagreb played a friendly match that ended 94-94, before Futsal Dinamo played an official HMNL league match there for the first time.”

However, Futsal Istra decided to spoil the results’ side of the celebrations with a 2-1 victory.

Despite Luka Čop opening the scoring for the home side after 18 minutes, two second half goals by Slovene Žan Janež (22nd minute) and Kristijan Vasić (28th minute) ensure Futsal Istra left the capital with all three competition points in tow.

In other opening round matches, Torcida Split lost to reigning champions and hot title favourites Olmissum Omis 1-7 in the local ‘Dalmatian derby’ in Split, Crnica Sibenik went down to MNK Osijek Kandit 1-4 in Subenik, while Novo Vrijeme lost to Square Dubrovnik 3-7 in Makarska.

HMNK Rijeka was the only home team to take the points in Round 1, defeating the newly promoted MNK Hajduk Split 4-2 at the Zamet Sports Stadium in Rijeka.

See related article: Olmissum Omiš crowned new HNL Futsal champions