Podravka Women defeated Split 2010 Women 39:15 in the first round of the 1st Women's Handball League on Tuesday. The match took place in Zagreb with the hosts putting on a thorough display from the opening whistle. And here's the thing about these opening rounds — the gap between tiers often shows itself early.
No minute-by-minute breakdown exists for this fixture, but the scoreboard told its own story. Podravka led throughout and never looked like letting Split 2010 back into anything. To be fair, the visitors had drawn four of their five league games so far, which suggested they were capable of grinding out results, but this was a different matter entirely.
We had tipped Podravka to win with 72 per cent confidence before the match. The margin was perhaps wider than expected, but the result followed the logic. Split 2010's recent record — draws against Osijek, Bjelovar, Rudar Labin, and Ivanić — showed a side that could avoid defeat but not one built to win away from home.
The result leaves Podravka at the summit with 10 points from five games, undefeated in every sense. Split 2010 drop further behind despite remaining unbeaten with their four draws and single victory. By then, the standings reveal what this fixture confirmed: a full season's worth of difference compressed into one afternoon.
Podravka's recent form reads like a checklist of dominance — 25:33 against Sturhamar, 42:18 over Koka, 33:31 versus HSG Bielefeld-Lippe. Split 2010's run tells another tale entirely, with narrow losses to Bjelovar and Osijek punctuating their draws. The contrast between the two sides was on display in the final scoreline.
Five points now separate Podravka from second place, and Split 2010 sit 12th with two points. The hosts have won every game they have played this season; the visitors have yet to taste defeat but have yet to win away from home. And here's the thing — handball tables tend to settle into their final shape after the first round.
