This weekend brings exciting matches in the SuperSport HNL, a historic UFC event in Belgrade, and appearances by Croatian youth handball teams on the world and European stage.
The first weekend of August is reserved for a true sports treat. While the remaining matches of the first round of the SuperSport HNL are being played, the region's attention will turn to Belgrade, where the UFC is organizing an event in Serbia for the first time. In addition, the young Croatian handball teams continue their battles at European and world tournaments, and there are also numerous interesting international football matches, as reported by Net.hr.
After Dinamo defeated Slaven Belupo 2:0 in the season opener, the SuperSport HNL brings four matches in the first round this weekend. Saturday kicks off with Istra 1961 vs. Lokomotiva at Aldo Drosina at 6:30 PM, where both teams aim to secure their first points of the season. At 9 PM, Gorica hosts Osijek.
Osijek arrives in Velika Gorica with many uncertainties but also high ambitions. First-team coach Federico Bessone expressed satisfaction with what he saw in preparations during a press conference. "I am happy and satisfied with the squad I have at my disposal. I am pleased with everything the boys have shown so far. They are very quality players who have managed to adapt to some of my demands, which was evident in the preparatory matches," Bessone told SiB.
He emphasized that he wants to see two phases of the game: "Actually, I want to see two Osijeks in one: first, the one with the ball in possession, showing personality when we have the ball at our feet (...) Secondly, what the team has lacked recently, to have personality even when we don't have possession." The Osijek coach also commented on last season's inefficiency, stating he believes in a completely different scenario and that it doesn't worry him at all. For away fans, tickets are available online at a price of 15 euros.
The biggest sporting event of the weekend takes place on Saturday at the Belgrade Arena, where the UFC arrives in Serbia for the first time. This historic event will bring together many well-known names from the region, and with a sold-out Arena, the atmosphere could be among the best of the year. The main card is led by fighters from the region, including Aleksandar Rakić, Duško Todorović, Miloš Janičić, Borislav Nikolić, Nina Milošević, Jovan Lek, and Marina Spasić. The UFC Fight Night can be followed on UFC Fight Pass and Paramount+, starting at 7 PM, according to Net.hr.
In addition to club sports, the weekend also brings important appearances by Croatian youth national teams. The Croatian women's under-18 handball team plays against France on Saturday at 12:50 PM at the World Championship in Romania. After a big victory over Fiji, they face a crucial match for the further course of the competition. On the same day, the Croatian men's under-18 handball team continues its journey at the European Championship in Serbia. They will face the Czech Republic, with the match starting at 4:50 PM and broadcast on Voya.
Alongside domestic football, there are also interesting international clashes on the schedule. On Saturday, U. Craiova meets Petrolul (8:30 PM), Porto faces Torreense (9:15 PM), and Celje takes on Maribor (8:15 PM). Sunday's program features PSV vs. AZ (6:00 PM), Olimpija vs. Aluminij (8:15 PM), and the Argentine classic Newell's Old Boys vs. Boca Juniors (10:00 PM).
Sunday's HNL program begins with Varaždin hosting Hajduk at 6:30 PM. The Split side arrives in Varaždin as favorites, but the home team will try to spring a surprise in front of their own fans. The first round concludes with Rijeka vs. Rudeš at Rujevica at 9 PM, where Rijeka seeks an expected victory against the team that returned to the top tier of Croatian football.
