In the run-up to the Cup final, the Maksimir footballers hosted Scottish side Hibernian at home, playing out a 1-1 draw. The only goal for the Zagreb team was scored by Dragan Blažić. The club management had organised two international friendly matches at Maksimir Stadium within just two days of each other. First, on 17 May, English side Newcastle United visited and defeated a combined Blues team 3-1, while two days later came the draw with Hibernian. This was also the Blues' last appearance before the Cup final in which they defeated Partizan 3-2 on 26 May. Due to poor interest from the Zagreb public, the Maksimir stands were almost empty for the matches against Newcastle and Hibernian, and the ticket revenue was not even sufficient to cover the costs of hosting the visiting teams.