NK Varaždin played out a goalless draw with NK Istra 1961 on Saturday, temporarily taking top spot in the Croatian First Football League. The round six match at the Stadion Anđelko Herjavec ended 0:0, earning Varaždin a valuable point and moving them to 13 points from six matches, as reported by Index.hr Sport.
Istra started more aggressively, with Luka Mamić hitting the outside of the post in the 6th minute. Three minutes later, Mario Mladenovski headed just over the bar. Istra's goalkeeper Franko Kolić was in good form, saving a shot from Mamić in the 35th minute and an attempt from Alekse Latković just before halftime. At the other end, Dukan Ahmeti missed a good chance in the 57th minute.
How did the second half unfold?
The second period brought several opportunities but no goals. In the 68th minute, Alekse Latković failed to capitalise on a mistake by keeper Kolić as his first touch took the ball too wide. Substitute Emme Uchegbu had a great chance in the 86th minute, but Kolić saved his one-on-one effort. The most dangerous moment for Istra came in the 92nd minute when Uchegbu's volley struck the crossbar.
The match was lively, with referee Duje Strukan showing three yellow cards. Istra's Antonio Jaganjac was booked for dissent, while Varaždin's Marko Sikošek and Borna Maglica also received cautions. Sikošek shoved an opponent in the back in a dangerous position, and Maglica argued with the official. Istra had many players in the final third, with one attempt from the edge of the box being blocked and leading to a corner.
What changes did the managers make?
The NK Varaždin manager made two substitutions in the second half. Later, Emme Uchegbu was sent on for Diogo Tavares. Istra also utilised their bench. Dukan Ahmeti made way for Ivan Goričan, while Marin Rozić and Oliver Frederiksen were substituted by Fran Škafara-Žužić and Nicholas Tomich.
What's next for NK Varaždin?
This point puts NK Varaždin temporarily at the summit of the league, a positive sign for the rest of the campaign. Their next league challenge is an away fixture against HNK Gorica on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Before that, the team turns its attention to the cup with an away match at Zagorec. The current league standings and the upcoming schedule can be followed on our standings and fixtures pages.
The starting line-ups were as follows. NK Varaždin: Silić - Maglica, Mladenovski, Tepšić, Sikošek - Canjuga, Marina - Latković, Mamić, Tavares - Jurić. NK Istra 1961: Kolić - Hrvatin, Kumar, Miettinen, Šepić - Doumbia, Albarracin - Frederiksen, Ahmeti, Rozić - Jaganjac. A minute of silence was observed before kick-off in memory of the late Ivan Gudelj. The match was broadcast on MAXSport 1.
