Ante Budimir scored a penalty for Osasuna in their 2-0 La Liga win over Racing Santander, providing the most direct goal contribution from a Croatia international in the latest round of club fixtures. These club outings come after a difficult spell for the national side, which has recorded just one win and three defeats in its last four matches, losing the last three in a row.
Action in the Premier League and Champions League
Josko Gvardiol played the full match for Manchester City in their 2-4 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, then came off the bench and was booked in the 3-2 league win over Ipswich. In that same match against Ipswich, Mateo Kovacic registered an assist before being substituted in the 50th minute. For Brighton, Luka Vuskovic impressed, first coming off the bench in a big Europa Conference League win and then playing the full 90 minutes in a 5-0 home derby victory over Crystal Palace.
Appearances in the Bundesliga and other leagues
Andrej Kramaric started for Hoffenheim in a Europa League defeat to Besiktas before making a substitute appearance in a Bundesliga win over Borussia Monchengladbach. Igor Matanovic also featured twice for Freiburg, coming off the bench in a Europa Conference League victory and starting in a league loss to Bayer Leverkusen.
Success in the HNL and Europe
Dominik Kotarski and Josip Misic were key for Dinamo Zagreb in both of their matches this weekend. Both started in an important 1-0 European win over Anderlecht, where Misic was booked. Luka Sucic started for Real Sociedad in a 1-1 Europa League draw with Union St. Gilloise before being replaced in the 68th minute. These club outings come as the national team prepares for a key qualifying test. Following a run of three consecutive defeats, including a 1-2 loss to Spain on 6 October, the next challenge is an away fixture against group leaders England on 12 November. Prior to that, the team suffered a heavy 0-7 defeat to England on 3 October.
