Match Summary
Istra 1961 defeated NK Varazdin 2:1. The match was played in HNL 2025. Goals were scored by A. Latkovic 11′, M. Heister 77′, J. Radosevic 81′. 1 yellow cards were shown. Istra 1961 had 47% possession while NK Varazdin held 53%. Istra 1961 had 10 shots (5 on target) compared to 15 (4 on target) for NK Varazdin. Expected goals: Istra 1961 0.46 — NK Varazdin 1.51. Istra 1961 made 5 substitutions, NK Varazdin made 5. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Ivan Canjuga 25′).
Match Events
Key match events between Istra 1961 and NK Varazdin — 3 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
assist: F. Maglica
Match Statistics
Istra 1961 had 47% possession against NK Varazdin's 53%. Istra 1961 registered 10 shots (5 on target) while NK Varazdin managed 15 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 4–3. Fouls committed: 10–17.
Lineups
Istra 1961 lined up in a — formation, while NK Varazdin deployed a 4-2-3-1.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Istra 1961 is 6.84, compared to 6.92 for NK Varazdin. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Istra 1961's highest-rated starter is F. Kolic (7.00), while NK Varazdin's best-rated player is O. Zelenika (7.07).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Istra 1961 have contributed 16 goals and 15 assists this season, led by S. Prevljak (10G). NK Varazdin's starters account for 11 goals and 9 assists, spearheaded by A. Latkovic (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Istra 1961 deploy 4 defenders rated 6.77 on average, against NK Varazdin's 4-man backline averaging 6.86. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Istra 1961 field 5 midfielders averaging 6.85, versus NK Varazdin's 5 rated 6.93. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Istra 1961 start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.86, compared to 1 for NK Varazdin averaging 6.84. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Discipline
Istra 1961's starters have collected 25 yellow cards this season, compared to 17 for NK Varazdin. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Istra 1961's starting XI is 27.6 (youngest: F. Kolic (22), oldest: M. Heister (33)), while NK Varazdin average 24.9 (youngest: I. Canjuga (20), oldest: O. Zelenika (32)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Istra 1961's starters average 22 league appearances each, versus 17 for NK Varazdin. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Istra 1961 have recorded 0 wins, 1 draws and 5 defeats. NK Varazdin show 1 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Istra 1961
NK Varazdin
Head to Head
Istra 1961 and NK Varazdin have met 2 times — Istra 1961 won 2, NK Varazdin won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Istra 1961 leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 2 meetings. A combined 5 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.50 per match (4 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (50%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–3 in 2025.
2
Istra 1961
0
Drawn
0
NK Varazdin
Recent Meetings (2)
API data: 23 Mar 2026