NK Varaždin continued its campaign in the SuperSport Croatian Football League with a match against Rudeš in the fifth round. The game was played on Tuesday evening at the Anđelko Herjavec stadium in front of home fans, as reported by the portal varazdinski.net.hr.
Coach Nikola Šafarić and his players wanted to break a run of one defeat. In the previous round, they suffered their first league loss of the season when they were defeated by Dinamo at Maksimir. That was a contrasting picture compared to the start of the season, when they achieved a surprising victory against Hajduk. Now they turned to a new challenge.
How did Rudeš approach the match?
The guests from Zagreb arrived in Varaždin with new confidence. Under the guidance of coach Alen Petrenc, Rudeš earned their first points of the season in the fourth round. They impressively defeated Lokomotiva with a score of 4:1, giving them the necessary momentum. Ahead of the match with Varaždin, Rudeš strengthened their squad with several new signings. Petrenc had expanded options for his lineup.
The match referee was Marko Crnojević from Novska. The encounter could be followed live on MAXSport television. The game started at 21:00, allowing a larger number of fans to attend after the working day. The next home challenge for Varaždin will be against Istra 1961, and that match is scheduled for September 4, 2026. The full schedule can be found on our fixtures page.
What was the significance of this match?
Beyond the sporting aspect, the match also had a humanitarian dimension. The Varaždin city administration decided to donate all proceeds from ticket sales to fire-affected areas. This initiative added special significance to the event, connecting sporting passion with social responsibility. Fans had the opportunity not only to support their team but also to contribute to an important social cause.
For Varaždin, this match represented a chance to return to the winning path after the setback at Maksimir. Coach Šafarić had to find an answer to the questions posed by the defeat to Dinamo. The home crowd expected their support to help the team achieve a positive result. The league standings can always be checked on our standings page.
What did this match mean for both teams?
For Rudeš, this was a test of their ability to transfer their good form from the previous round to away matches as well. The victory over Lokomotiva showed they have offensive potential, but consistency on the road is key for survival in the league. Petrenc likely demanded that his players repeat their good performance.
On the other hand, Varaždin wanted to take advantage of playing at home. The victory over Hajduk at the start of the season proved this team can be a surprise. However, maintaining that standard throughout the season requires concentration in every match, especially against teams fighting for the same objectives. Detailed player statistics are available on our stats page.
The match ended without a winner, but it brought important points for the home team. NK Varaždin now prepares for the encounter with Istra 1961, which will be held at home on September 4, 2026.
