Pitomača vs Bjelovar

From the opening whistle, Pitomača — coached by Mario Žuljić — imposed themselves on the game. The hosts set the tempo, won the physical duels and controlled midfield through experienced playmaker Boško Kosanović, a Bjelovar native now plying his trade for his hometown club's lower-league neighbours.

Bjelovar, playing their first pre-season fixture of the 2026/27 campaign under coach Tihomir Bradić, struggled to establish any rhythm. Their best chances fell to forward Pejić, but none tested the Pitomača goal frame.

In the second half, Pitomača continued to dictate. Goalkeeper Đorđević was kept busy, making three saves from veteran forward Matančić — a returnee to the Pitomača squad this summer. Bjelovar survived a late scare when they cleared a ball off their own goal line, preserving the clean sheet.

There was no single decisive moment in a game that lacked goals, but Pitomača's failure to convert sustained pressure in the first 20 minutes proved costly. Despite dominating possession and territory, the hosts could not turn their superior physicality into clear-cut chances, and Bjelovar grew into the game defensively as the half wore on.

• Boško Kosanović (Pitomača): The veteran midfielder controlled the centre of the park, dictating play and providing a link between defence and attack. His composure was the standout individual display on the pitch.
• Đorđević (Pitomača): The home goalkeeper was alert when called upon, making three saves from Matančić in the second half.
• Pejić (Bjelovar): Bjelovar's most threatening attacker, though his efforts lacked the accuracy to trouble the scoreline.

Player of the match: Boško Kosanović (Pitomača)

Pitomača enjoyed the lion's share of possession and territorial advantage, particularly in the first half, but the 0-0 scoreline reflects a lack of cutting edge in the final third. According to the Klikni.hr match report, Pitomača were "stronger in duels, faster, visibly eager for a quality performance" yet managed only a handful of attempts on target — all handled by Đorđević. Bjelovar's few shots, led by Pejić, did not hit the target. A late goal-line clearance confirmed that Pitomača came closest to breaking the deadlock.

For Bjelovar, this was the first friendly of a pre-season that will see them face Dugo Selo on Wednesday, 22 July at their home stadium in Bjelovar (18:30 kick-off). Coach Bradić will be concerned by the gap in intensity between his side and a team from a lower division, but fatigue — as the Klikni.hr report noted — is "completely understandable at this stage of preparations."

Pitomača, under Mario Žuljić, will take confidence from outplaying a side from a higher tier, even if the final product was missing. The return of Matančić adds experience to their attacking options for the 2026/27 SuperSport 3. NL campaign.

A pre-season friendly that told a clear story of fitness levels and preparation timing rather than quality. Pitomača were the sharper side and deserved a goal; Bjelovar were leggy and disjointed, which is expected in mid-July. The 0-0 draw offered both teams information — Pitomača that they can compete above their level, Bjelovar that significant work remains before the season proper.