The semifinals of the Croatian League playoffs began with an unexpected result. Jug defeated Mladost 10:8 in Zagreb. The other match concluded as anticipated, with Jadran Split overcoming Solaris 12:7.
Based on the rosters, Mladost has been considered a favorite in the matches against the Dubrovnik-based team this season. A month ago, Jug beat Mladost in the Regional League, but that match had no bearing on the standings.
Furthermore, Jug played without its top scorer, Marko Zuvela, in Zagreb. He suffered a serious injury during the bronze-medal match of the World Cup against Hungary. As a result, few believed Jug could triumph over Mladost in Zagreb.
There were several twists and turns, but the score difference never exceeded one goal during the first three quarters. Mladost entered the final quarter with an 8:7 lead. However, the hosts failed to score in the last eight minutes, while Jug managed to net three goals. Notably, all three goals in the final period were scored by Vlaho Pavlic. He first equalized at 8:8 from a penalty shot in the middle of the quarter. Then, 68 seconds before the end, he converted a man-up opportunity to give Jug the lead. With just 16 seconds remaining, the visitors earned another penalty shot, which Pavlic successfully converted, sealing Jug’s victory at 10:8. Pavlic finished the match with five goals, while Susic added two. For Mladost, center-forward Josip Vrlic scored three goals. One standout player for Jug was young goalkeeper Ivan Jurisic, who made 10 saves.
Reigning champion Jadran Split welcomed Solaris. The game was an even contest in the first five minutes. Afterwards, Jadran produced a 4:0 run and jumped from 3:3 to 6:3. Midway through the third period, the visitors from Sibenik narrowed the difference to two goals (6:8). Jadran’s captain Jerko Marinic Kragic replied with two goals for 10:6. By the end, Jadran stretched the margin to five – 12:7. Marinic Kragic scored four goals for the hosts. Duzevic and Butic contributed two goals each to Jadran’s victory. Antonio Petkovic was better than the others in Solaris, with three goals.
2025 Croatian League, playoffs, semifinals, 1st games
1st – 4th place (best of three)
Jadran S – Solaris 12:7 (6:3, 1:1, 3:3, 2:0)
Mladost – Jug 8:10 (3:3, 3:2, 2:2, 0:3)
5th – 8th place (best of two)
Medvescak – Primorje 10:21 (2:7, 1:3, 2:3, 5:8)
Zadar 1952 – Mornar 16:17 (4:4, 5:5, 2:5, 5:3)
