NK Varaždin secured an important away victory, defeating NK Lokomotiva Zagreb 1-0 on Sunday. The decisive goal was scored by Luka Mamić in the 40th minute following an assist from Petar Bockaj.
The match was tense, with the hosts enjoying more possession. Varaždin, however, were more clinical. In the first half, after a good move, Bockaj delivered a precise cross from the right flank, and Mamić headed the ball into the net. This was his fourth goal of the season in nine appearances.
"I scored the goal in the 40th minute after a great assist from Petar Bockaj," said Luka Mamić.
Lokomotiva pushed for an equaliser but found a resolute Varaždin defence in their way. Goalkeeper Nikola Šafarić made several key saves. The home team finished the match with ten men after Marko Vešović received a straight red card in the 5th minute for dissent.
What the win means for the table
These three points propelled Varaždin to second place in the HNL standings with 18 points from nine matches. They now sit just one point behind leaders Hajduk Split. The team is unbeaten in their last five games and has kept a clean sheet in three of those. They have conceded only seven goals all season.
The next challenge is an away trip to face Hajduk Split on Sunday, October 18th. It will be a direct clash for the top of the table. Varaždin will travel to Poljud with confidence but with great respect for an opponent who has won five and drawn one of their last six league matches. This season's squad list and player stats are available in our squad section.
Following the win in Zagreb, the mood in the Varaždin camp is high. The team has the confidence to continue their good run and remain at the top end of the competition. Next week at Poljud awaits their biggest test of the autumn so far.
Manager Nikola Šafarić commented on the win over Lokomotiva. "We can be satisfied that we won such a tough match," said Šafarić. The manager noted that Varaždin had chances to increase the lead and also praised several excellent saves by Josip Silić. The team is unbeaten in its last five matches and sits in second place, one point behind leaders Hajduk.
