In a captivating match at Gradski stadion Ivan Kušek Apaš, NK Varaždin overwhelmed NK Slaven Belupo with a commanding 4-1 victory in the Croatian HNL. The away side's attacking flair was evident from the start, as they surged into a 3-0 lead by halftime, courtesy of goals from Ivan Canjuga, Luka Mamić, and Aleksa Latković. Canjuga, in particular, was instrumental, showing his prowess by both scoring and facilitating play.
Early Goals Set the Tone
The game quickly tilted in NK Varaždin's favor when Canjuga opened the scoring in the 26th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Gregor Sikosek. Just two minutes later, Mamić doubled the lead, once again assisted by Sikosek. Latković added a third before the break, assisted by Ivan Mamut, showcasing the visitors' clinical edge in the final third.
Slaven Belupo's Response Falls Short
NK Slaven Belupo attempted a response in the second half, with Ilija Nestorovski pulling one back in the 71st minute. However, their efforts were thwarted by a resolute Varaždin defense, and Canjuga sealed the victory with his second goal of the match in the 78th minute. Despite holding 57% possession and managing 11 total shots, Slaven Belupo couldn’t match the visitors’ efficiency.
Varaždin's Tactical Mastery and Key Performances
Varaždin's tactical setup in a 4-2-3-1 formation allowed them to absorb pressure and strike on the counter, effectively utilizing their front line's speed and skill. Canjuga's exceptional performance, marked by a player rating of 9, highlighted his influence, with 50 passes and 8 duels won. Latković also impressed with 12 duels and 6 shots, providing constant threats to the Slaven Belupo defense.
Looking Ahead
NK Varaždin's emphatic win not only bolsters their confidence but also sets a precedent for their campaign in the 2026 HNL season. As they continue to build momentum, maintaining this level of performance will be crucial. Slaven Belupo, meanwhile, will need to recalibrate their strategy if they hope to bounce back from this defeat.
