Miskovic was talking about Arsenal and 15 million euros.

Varaždin Stages Early Victory Over Rijeka in HNL Clash In a dramatic early match of the third round of the SuperSport HNL, Varaždin claimed a 2-0 victory over Rijeka at their home ground, with both goals coming from Ivan Mamut. The game began under tense conditions after a late arrival of Rijeka’s fans due to traffic disruptions caused by a police intervention near Karlovac. The Armada, Rijeka's fan group, arrived at the stadium just before the 29th minute, nearly three hours after the scheduled kickoff time of 18:30. The delay was attributed to a chaotic situation on the A1 motorway, where a potential clash between fans of Rijeka and Hajduk was averted by police intervention. A helicopter was deployed to monitor the area, leading to significant congestion and delays. As a result, the away section of the stadium remained largely empty for almost half an hour before the Armada finally entered the stands. By the time the game started, Varaždin had already taken the lead, capitalizing on the early advantage. The first goal came in the 20th minute when Mamut headed in a cross from Tavares, scoring his first league goal of the season. Just minutes later, he added another, finishing a counterattack with a powerful strike from outside the box in the 31st minute. These two goals proved decisive, as Rijeka struggled to create meaningful chances despite their high-profile squad. Rijeka’s coach, Matjaž Kek, admitted that his team played poorly and failed to respond effectively to the early pressure. “It was completely deserved for Varaždin to win,” Kek said. “We collapsed after conceding the goal, which isn’t the level we’re capable of showing today. We managed to somewhat recover in the second half, but there’s still a lot of work ahead.” Kek acknowledged the challenges posed by the demanding schedule, including European commitments, and emphasized the need for his players to adapt quickly to the fast-paced rhythm of top-tier football. “We’ve been playing a lot recently, and it shows. But we have to keep pushing forward and show our quality,” he said. On the other hand, Varaždin’s coach, Nikola Šafarić, praised his team’s performance, particularly their defensive resilience and ability to maintain composure under pressure. “We showed great discipline and confidence in our defense,” Šafarić noted. “We didn’t concede a goal against a strong Rijeka side, and that makes me proud.” Both teams were well-prepared for the encounter, with Varaždin entering the match confident in their attacking prowess and Rijeka aiming to continue their recent positive momentum. However, the early dominance of Varaždin and the lack of response from Rijeka highlighted the disparity in performance during the first half. The match saw several key moments, including a missed opportunity by Rijeka’s captain, Ante Majstorović, who criticized his team’s poor execution in the first half. “We weren’t at our best, and we have to take responsibility for that,” Majstorović said. “But we believe in ourselves and will fight hard to improve.” Despite the setback, Rijeka’s supporters remained supportive throughout the match, providing encouragement from the stands even as their team struggled to find its rhythm. The atmosphere at the Gradski Stadium was electric, with fans eager to see a turnaround in the second half. As the game progressed, Varaždin maintained control, with their midfielders dictating play and creating numerous opportunities. The hosts’ solid defensive structure further limited Rijeka’s options, allowing them to dominate possession and dictate the tempo. The final whistle marked a clear victory for Varaždin, who extended their perfect record in the league and continued their impressive start to the season. With both goals scored by Mamut, the young striker has become a crucial asset for the club, showcasing his talent and consistency. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the remainder of the season, with both teams set to face new challenges. For Varaždin, the win reinforces their position as a formidable contender in the league, while Rijeka must address their shortcomings and regroup for future matches.