HNL Matchday 22 Review 2026: Surprises & Key Results

The 2025 Croatian HNL season continues to excite, delivering a blend of the expected and the surprising in its 22nd matchday. From dominant displays to stubborn defenses, this round had it all, with plenty of talking points that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Goals were scored, predictions were challenged, and the league table experienced some shifts—let’s dive into the highlights and hiccups of this action-packed weekend.

The Goal-Filled Highlights & Key Results

Leading the charge was Dinamo Zagreb, whose 4-0 drubbing of Istra 1961 was a statement performance. The match was a showcase of their attacking prowess, with the fans left dreaming of another championship trophy. Meanwhile, NK Slaven Belupo climbed up the table with a confident 2-0 win over NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. This result not only surprised many but also proved that Belupo is more than just a mid-table side—possibly a dark horse in the making.

Rijeka stretched their legs with a 3-1 victory over Varazdin, but not all was smooth sailing. The match was tense, and their performance left some questions about consistency. The game between Gorica and Vukovar ended in a goalless draw—an outcome that defied expectations given Gorica’s home advantage and Vukovar's defensive resilience.

On Sunday, the spotlight shifted to the fierce rivalry as Hajduk Split secured a 2-0 win at Osijek, further cementing their hunt for the title. The match was tactically intriguing, with Hajduk’s clinical finishing making the difference against a stubborn Osijek defense.

Our Prediction Scorecard: Hits, Misses & What It Tells Us

Overall, our predictions were quite sharp this round, hitting 4 out of 5 in the 1X2 market—an 80% success rate that demonstrates solid insight, but also room for improvement. The biggest win was correctly predicting Dynamo's heavy victory and the under 2.5 goals in several matches.

In the Over/Under market, we scored a 60% accuracy, catching some of the expected goal flows but missing a few low-scoring twists. Our BTTS forecast was a bit more optimistic, landing only 40%—highlighting the unpredictability of some fixtures, especially those involving tightly matched defenses like Gorica and Vukovar.

Most Notable Results in Detail

• Dinamo Zagreb 4-0 Istra 1961: This was an absolute stunner—Dinamo asserting their dominance early and never looking back. The match showcased their attacking depth and defensive solidity, affirming their position at the top of the table. The predicted victory was almost guaranteed, but the margin of victory was a pleasant surprise for optimists.
• Slaven Belupo 2-0 Lokomotiva: An underdog performance that defied many pundits’ expectations. Belupo's disciplined approach and sharp finishing turned the game in their favor, illustrating that this league still has plenty of room for surprises.
• Gorica 0-0 Vukovar: A fixture that left fans scratching their heads. No goals, no thrills, just a stalemate that disrupted our expectations for an open, attacking game. It served as a reminder that in football, sometimes the goal is to avoid defeat rather than chase victory.

Biggest Surprises & Where Predictions Went Wrong

The most glaring upset was the Gorica vs. Vukovar stalemate, where our prediction of goals and a likely BTTS outcome failed miserably. Gorica's defensive approach and Vukovar's resilience combined to produce an unanticipated goalless draw. It was a stark reminder that even the most calculated predictions can falter when teams play their cards close to their chest.

Similarly, Rijeka’s 3-1 win over Varazdin caught some off guard, especially with the prediction of a low-scoring affair. While Rijeka’s offense delivered, the match unexpectedly saw goals at both ends, keeping bettors on their toes.

Where We Nailed It: The High-Confidence Calls

• Dinamo’s dominant win: We predicted over 2.5 goals and a Dinamo victory, and they delivered emphatically. Their attacking firepower remains a highlight of the league this season.
• Hajduk’s away success: Our pick of Hajduk splitting Osijek’s defense with a 2-0 scoreline was spot on, reaffirming their strong form and tactical discipline.

Impact on the League Standings

This round’s results have slightly shaken up the top of the table. Dinamo's commanding win keeps them well ahead, extending their lead to 48 points and reinforcing their position as title favorites. Hajduk’s victory keeps them in the chase at second place with 40 points, while Rijeka’s win consolidates their third spot with 32 points, alongside Varazdin.

Relegation-threatened Gorica remains rooted at the bottom with just 25 points, while Vukovar’s defensive resilience keeps them out of the danger zone. The standings continue to evolve, promising an intense race over the final rounds.

Looking Forward: What's Next?

The upcoming fixtures promise more excitement, with top teams clashing and mid-table clubs fighting for survival or pride. Watch out for the title battleground heating up as Dinamo aims to solidify their dominance, while Hajduk and Rijeka chase every point to challenge their leader. Expect tactical battles, dramatic goals, and perhaps another surprise or two as the Croatian HNL marches toward its thrilling conclusion.

Stay tuned for our next round review—football never sleeps in Croatia!