The Cup final was worthy too – none of the championship leaders reached the final. Instead, NK Rijeka, the winners in 1977-78, and Partizan Belgrade met at the final. Lowly clubs this season, more or less equal. For Partizan, it was the chance to save the season – the disgraceful season would be wiped clean by winning the cup. Technically, they had the age – history and reputation were on their side. Wounded pride was sufficient spur, especially against pedestrian opponent.
Partizan 1978-79 – having a chance to win the cup and put some real smiles on their faces. But they still had to win… NK Rijeka had ambition of its own. Partizan was no better team, although more difficult foe than the club they overcome the previous year at the final – Trepca (Kosovska Mitrovica). The opportunity to win the cup for a second time was tempting. It was also tempting to beat hated team from Belgrade – it was a traditional clash between Serbians and Croatians. The schedule did not favoured Rijeka, unfortunately – it was two-leg final and they hosted the opening match. Which they won 2-1. Not a comfortable margin. Looked like Partizan will win the trophy… the first match was played on April 16th, and the next was almost a month later – on May 24th. Plenty of time to get ready, but Rijeka was determined to keep their lead and Partizan was more a name than real force. Names alone do not win trophies – the Croatians managed a 0-0 draw and won the cup. The disastrous year of Partizan was completed.
As for the happy winners, it was significant success: not only they won a second trophy, but did it in two consecutive years – rarely small clubs, even more successful than Rijeka, are able to repeat victory the next year.
Posing with the Cup for a second time.
And a picture for posterity – this is a legendary team, at least at home. No other squad of NK Rijeka came even close to this one – the only winning squad the club ever had. No famous players here, but may be it is even better there were not – a triumph of the small boys with big hearts. It was fantastic back home near the Adriatic sea.
At the end, Croatian teams won everything this season – a triumph over Belgrade. Particularly in the cup tournaments, no club from Belgrade won since 1971 – it was Croatian possession: first Hajduk won it repeatedly until 1978. Then – Rijeka twice. Partizan probably was not even able to remember when they won the Cup… as for Crvena zvezda – they won it in 1971, but had to wait more than 10 years for another cup victory.