HAVK MLADOST: Čubranić, Brubnjak 4, Tončinić. Fajković, Pavillard, Babić 2, Bukić, Lazić, Nagaev 2, Radulović 4 (2-2), Vukičević 3, Panfilov, Batoš, Lozina 1
VK JADRAN: Popadić, L. Penava, Seman, Radan, Z. Butić 3 (3-3), Pejković, M. Ćurković, Zović 1 (1-1), Požarić, Skejić, Matković 2, Katunarić, Anić (1 obrana), J. Bušić 2
HAVK Mladost Zagreb reinforced their status as one of Croatia's leading water polo teams with an impressive eight-goal victory over Jadran Split at the swimming pool beside the Sava River. What began as a closely contested derby quickly developed into a commanding display from the home side, who combined aggressive defensive pressure with devastating counterattacks to overwhelm their rivals. Despite trailing after the opening quarter, Mladost dominated the middle stages of the encounter and never allowed Jadran to recover.
The result was particularly significant because the two clubs had already met twice in recent weeks, producing contrasting outcomes. Mladost previously defeated Jadran in the Croatian Super Cup, while the Split side responded with a penalty shootout victory in the Champions League. Their third meeting provided another opportunity to establish superiority, and this time Mladost delivered a performance that left little doubt about the outcome.
Head coach Hrvoje Hrestak praised his team's discipline and commitment, highlighting a defensive display that prevented Jadran from developing their usual attacking rhythm. The victory also maintained Mladost's perfect domestic record, with five wins from five matches and a maximum 15 points, placing the Zagreb club firmly at the top of the championship standings.
Mladost Overcome Slow Start to Take Control
The opening quarter was characterised by disciplined defending, physical battles and limited scoring opportunities. Both teams focused on maintaining a compact defensive structure, making it difficult for their opponents to establish clear shooting positions. The first goal did not arrive until almost four minutes had elapsed, when Jadran's Luka Matković finally broke the deadlock.
Although Mladost created several opportunities with an extra player, they struggled to convert them during the opening eight minutes. Jadran were similarly ineffective in their early power-play situations but managed to finish the quarter with a narrow 2–1 advantage. At that stage, the encounter appeared likely to develop into another closely fought contest between two of Croatia's strongest water polo teams.
However, the momentum changed dramatically during the second period. Mladost increased their defensive intensity and began forcing turnovers that immediately created opportunities on the counterattack. Karlo Babić played an important role in the turnaround, first stealing possession and then scoring twice to move the hosts into a 3–2 lead.
Marko Radulović subsequently converted a penalty before Tin Brubnjak completed a rapid counterattack to extend the advantage. Radulović then added another goal from distance, completing a remarkable run of five unanswered goals that transformed Jadran's early lead into a 6–2 deficit.
The visitors managed to respond during the closing stages of the half, with Jerko Bušić scoring during a man-up situation before an additional penalty reduced the gap. Nevertheless, Mladost entered the interval leading 6–4, having demonstrated the attacking quality and defensive organisation that would ultimately decide the contest.
Devastating Third Quarter Secures Victory
Mladost continued their impressive performance after the interval, producing an outstanding third quarter that effectively ended Jadran's hopes of a comeback. The Zagreb side opened the period with four consecutive goals, extending their advantage from 6–4 to 10–4 and leaving the visitors struggling to contain their speed and movement.
Brubnjak and Radulović were particularly effective during this period, repeatedly exploiting space behind Jadran's defence. Their ability to launch rapid counterattacks turned defensive recoveries into immediate scoring opportunities, while the visitors struggled to reorganise quickly enough to prevent clear chances.
Goalkeeper Mauro Ivan Čubranić also played an important role, producing several crucial saves and helping Mladost maintain their defensive intensity. The organised blocking in front of him limited Jadran's shooting options, forcing the Split side into increasingly difficult attempts as the match progressed.
Mladost continued extending their advantage throughout the third quarter, eventually winning the period 7–2 and establishing a commanding 13–6 lead before the final eight minutes. Brubnjak completed another counterattack in the closing seconds, underlining the home side's physical superiority and tactical discipline.
The final quarter followed a similar pattern, with Mladost controlling possession and preventing Jadran from developing any sustained attacking momentum. Both teams scored twice during the final period before the hosts completed a convincing 16–8 victory, handing Jadran their first league defeat of the campaign.
The scale of the triumph was especially notable considering the quality of the opposition. Jadran entered the match with an unbeaten domestic record and significant Champions League experience, but Mladost's aggressive defensive approach and rapid transitions proved too much for the visitors.
Brubnjak and Radulović Lead Outstanding Team Performance
Tin Brubnjak and Marko Radulović finished as Mladost's leading scorers with four goals each, making decisive contributions during the periods when the home side established their advantage. Brubnjak was particularly dangerous on the counterattack, repeatedly using his speed to exploit defensive gaps and create high-percentage scoring opportunities.
Captain Ante Vukičević added three goals, while Karlo Babić and Ivan Nagaev contributed two each. Luka Lozina completed the scoring with one goal, demonstrating the attacking depth available to Hrestak. The team's balanced offensive performance made it difficult for Jadran to concentrate their defensive efforts on one individual.
Čubranić finished with seven recorded saves, providing a reliable presence in goal and allowing his teammates to maintain an aggressive defensive approach. His performance was especially important during the second and third quarters, when Mladost established control through defensive pressure and quick attacking transitions.
For Jadran, Zvonimir Butić was the leading scorer with three goals, all converted from penalties. Luka Matković and Jerko Bušić contributed two goals each, while the remaining goal came from a penalty converted by Zović. The fact that four of Jadran's eight goals came from penalties highlighted the visitors' difficulty in creating opportunities through open play.
Mladost also demonstrated greater efficiency in extra-player situations, converting six of their 14 opportunities compared with Jadran's two goals from 11 attempts. The difference in power-play execution proved particularly significant during the middle stages, when the Zagreb side established a commanding lead.
Although the match was physical and featured numerous exclusions, Mladost maintained greater tactical discipline and converted their opportunities more effectively. Their performance combined strong individual contributions with a collective defensive structure that consistently disrupted Jadran's attacking organisation.
Hrestak Praises Discipline as Jadran Admit Defeat
Following the match, Mladost head coach Hrvoje Hrestak expressed particular satisfaction with his team's defensive performance and their ability to execute the tactical plan. The Croatian coach explained that the opening stages had been relatively cautious as both sides attempted to assess each other's approach, but he believed Mladost gradually established control through greater aggression and disciplined positioning.
Hrestak highlighted the importance of maintaining defensive intensity throughout the encounter, describing his players' commitment and concentration as key factors behind the victory. He also noted that Mladost had deliberately adopted a more aggressive approach than in their previous Champions League encounter against Jadran, believing that increased pressure was essential to disrupting the visitors' attacking rhythm.
The coach praised his players for following tactical instructions and delivering an outstanding collective performance. Having recently secured important victories against other Croatian rivals, Mladost's convincing triumph over Jadran provided further encouragement ahead of their upcoming European commitments.
Jadran coach Jure Marelja acknowledged that Mladost had deserved their victory, admitting that his team had struggled to overcome the hosts' defensive pressure. He pointed to several technical mistakes and difficulties adapting to the physical nature of the encounter, particularly during the second and third quarters.
However, Marelja also suggested that the eight-goal difference did not necessarily reflect the true quality gap between the teams. While accepting that Mladost were significantly better on the day, he remained confident that Jadran could produce a more competitive performance in future meetings.
His assessment highlighted the contrast between the teams' recent encounters. Jadran had managed to defeat Mladost on penalties in the Champions League, but the Croatian championship derby demonstrated how quickly the balance can shift when one side establishes control through defence and counterattacking efficiency.
Mladost Strengthen Their Championship Position
The victory leaves Mladost as the only team to have won all five of their opening Croatian championship matches, giving them a maximum 15 points and a three-point advantage over Solaris, who have played one match fewer. Jadran remain third with 12 points from five games, while Jug Dubrovnik occupy fourth place with nine.
The result has also reinforced Mladost's reputation as one of the leading contenders for the Croatian title. Their recent performances against Jug and Jadran have demonstrated an impressive combination of attacking quality, defensive intensity and tactical discipline, suggesting that Hrestak's approach is producing increasingly consistent results.
For Jadran, the defeat represents a setback rather than a decisive blow to their championship ambitions. The Split club have already demonstrated their quality in domestic and European competition, but the heavy loss in Zagreb revealed areas requiring improvement, particularly defensive transitions and extra-player efficiency.
Mladost, meanwhile, will now attempt to carry their domestic momentum into the Champions League, where they face a demanding European schedule. Their ability to reproduce the defensive organisation and attacking efficiency displayed against Jadran could prove particularly valuable against established international opponents.
The Zagreb side's recent form has created growing expectations among supporters, but maintaining consistency throughout a long season will remain essential. Domestic success provides confidence, yet competing simultaneously in Croatian and European competitions requires careful squad management, physical preparation and continued tactical development.
Mladost's emphatic 16–8 victory over Jadran Split was more than another league win. It demonstrated the team's growing confidence, highlighted the effectiveness of Hrestak's defensive strategy and delivered a significant statement in the Croatian championship race. With five consecutive victories and a commanding performance against one of their main rivals, the Zagreb club have established themselves as an increasingly formidable force in Croatian water polo.
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