Dinamo win Croatian derby to go six points clear

ZAGREB, Feb 24 (Reuters) Two goals from top scorer Eduardo da Silva gave Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb a 2-1 home win over bitter rivals Hajduk Split and opened up a six-point gap in their two-horse title race.

The result left Dinamo in the driving seat on 53 points from 20 matches, Hajduk have 47 while third-placed NK Zagreb have 37 after a 2-0 win at 10th-placed Pula.

The outstanding Da Silva took his league tally to 22 with a first-half brace as Dinamo pegged back their traditional foes from the Adriatic coast, who failed to muster a single shot on target in the opening period.

The Brazilian-born international striker fired Dinamo ahead with a superb volley on the turn in the 20th minute after the keeper tipped over his shot from 20 metres and Hajduk's static defence failed to clear the corner.

He made it 2-0 shortly before the interval with a calm and opportunist finish from eight metres after a comedy of errors by Hajduk's defenders, who lost possession under no pressure.

Bosnian midfielder Mladen Bartolovic pulled one back for Hajduk and set up a nervy finish after an Igor Musa cross left him with a simple tap-in from close range.

Da Silva said the title race was far from settled although the result left Dinamo in a commanding position.

''There are still 13 matches left and there is a long way to go. However, it feels good to be six points ahead and I want to thank the fans for their fantastic support,'' he told Croatian television after the match.

Reuters SBA RN0317