NK Varaždin delivered an impressive 4-1 away victory against Slaven Belupo in the second round of the Croatian First Football League. The match at Stadion Ivan Kušek Apaš in Koprivnica showed a dominant performance from Nikola Šafarić's side.
As reported by 24sata, Varaždin already held a three-goal lead at halftime. Ivan Canjuga opened the scoring in the 26th minute, and just two minutes later Luka Mamić doubled the advantage. Aleksa Latković netted the third goal in the 44th minute, with an assist from Ivan Mamut. In the second half, Ilija Nestorovski pulled one back for Slaven in the 71st minute, but Canjuga sealed the match with his second goal in the 78th minute, assisted by Matej Vuk. Gregor Sikošek provided the assists for both of Canjuga's goals.
How did NK Varaždin achieve the win?
Coach Šafarić's tactics worked perfectly. The team was precise in attack and solid in defence. Slaven Belupo failed to find an answer to Varaždin's fast tempo. Goalkeeper Karlo Sentić conceded four goals. Referee Duje Strukan's officiating included a yellow card for Kovačić for striking Mamut from behind. Slaven made two substitutions during the match, with Grgić and Bosak coming on for Mitrović and Crepulja.
What is NK Varaždin's position in the standings?
This win brought NK Varaždin another three points, meaning they have a perfect six points from two matches played. Alongside Osijek and Lokomotiva, Varaždin is one of only three teams with a maximum haul at the start of the season. Dinamo and Rijeka have three points each but have played one game less. Five clubs, including Hajduk and Istra 1961, are still waiting for their first points. The postponed match between Rijeka and Dinamo will be played at a later date. The current standings can be followed on our standings page.
What's next for the NK Varaždin squad?
NK Varaždin's next challenge will be an away fixture against HNK Gorica on Saturday, September 12, 2026. It will be an opportunity for the team to continue their excellent run and maintain their perfect record. The schedule of upcoming matches is always available on our fixtures page. Before that match, coach Šafarić will have time for analysis and squad preparation, the details of which can be found on the squad page.
The match against Gorica will be an important test on the path to a stable position in the upper part of the table. NK Varaždin continues the season with great confidence following this convincing triumph in Koprivnica.
