NK Varaždin secured an important 2:0 victory over NK Rudeš on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in Matchday 4 of the SuperSport HNL. According to statistics published on the TNT Sports portal, the hosts triumphed with late goals from Anton Latković and Ivan Canjuga.
The match was played at the NK Varaždin stadium and proved crucial for the team's position in the table. Latković opened the scoring in the 73rd minute, with Canjuga sealing the 2:0 win in the 85th minute. This result brings Varaždin three valuable points in their fight for a better league position.
How did the match against Rudeš unfold?
The first half was balanced, with both teams searching for an opening. NK Varaždin had slightly more territorial advantage but without clear-cut chances. The breakthrough came in the second half. In the 73rd minute, following good work on the left flank, Anton Latković beat the Rudeš goalkeeper with a precise shot from outside the box to put his team ahead.
After the goal, Rudeš tried to increase the pressure, which left more space for counter-attacks. Ivan Canjuga exploited this in the 85th minute, doubling the advantage after a rapid break to secure the points for Varaždin. This result ends a short run of matches without a win for the club.
What is NK Varaždin's current position in the HNL?
This victory brings NK Varaždin important points at the start of the 2026/2027 season. The club now positions itself in the middle of the table, with a clear aim to distance itself from the lower part of the competition. You can follow the current standings on our standings page.
The next challenge for the team comes in the following round. NK Varaždin will face Istra 1961 at home on 4 September. This will be an opportunity to build on this positive result in front of their own fans. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on the fixtures page.
Who were the key players in the victory?
Anton Latković showed his value as a scorer at a crucial moment. His 73rd-minute goal broke the tension and paved the way for three points. Ivan Canjuga confirmed his reliability as a source of goals, contributing his strike late in the game. Both were cornerstones of Varaždin's attacking play.
Beyond them, the defensive line played a key role in keeping a clean sheet. This was the first match of the season in which Varaždin did not concede a goal, a positive signal for the rest of the campaign. Detailed statistics for all players can be found on the stats page.
What does this win mean for the rest of the season?
The victory over Rudeš gives NK Varaždin much-needed momentum and confidence. The three points ensure the club stays in touch with competitors in the middle of the table. The manager will now have an easier task preparing the team for the match against Istra 1961.
It is vital that this good form carries over into the upcoming fixtures. With the next match being at home, there is a real opportunity to gather more points. The team has a week to prepare before the home fixture on 4 September. The squad list and any potential changes can be followed via the squad page.
