Karlovac 1919 vs Opatija

The only goal arrived in the 39th minute. Mišković, Opatija's experienced forward, converted from open play to give the visitors a 1-0 lead they carried into half-time. Neither side added to the scoreline after the break, with Opatija holding firm to see out the result.

Opatija, managed by Zoran Bogolin, fielded a strong starting XI: Jurčević in goal, a back four of Milanović, Bagadur, Šuke and Ušalj, a midfield of Macolić, Mulac, Mršić and Groznica, with B. Bogolin partnering Mišković up front. Karlovac, under Igor Pamić, were unable to find a way through.

Mišković's goal six minutes before half-time gave Opatija a lead they never looked like relinquishing. The timing was significant — Karlovac had weathered the opening half-hour without conceding, but the strike just before the interval forced them to chase the game in the second period, a task they could not complete.

Robert Mišković (Opatija) — Scored the decisive goal, continuing his strong pre-season form having also found the net in earlier friendlies. His movement and finishing were the difference between the sides.

Roko Domjanić (Opatija) — The U-19 Croatian international made his debut for Opatija in the starting XI, playing on loan from NK Varaždin. The midfielder added quality in the centre of the park and is expected to feature prominently for Opatija in the upcoming season.

Opatija's 1-0 win — their first in three pre-season friendlies after a defeat to Istra 1961 and a draw with Austria Salzburg — represents a step forward in their preparations. The single-goal margin reflects a tight contest between two sides likely to face each other in league action this season, with both yet to hit full match sharpness in late July.

Karlovac, meanwhile, will be encouraged by the narrow defeat against a fellow league rival, suggesting their defensive organisation is already taking shape under Pamić despite the result.

Opatija registered their first win of pre-season after taking four points from their opening two friendlies (one loss, one draw). The result also extends their unbeaten run against Karlovac to four matches across all competitions, per the head-to-head record between the two clubs.

Both sides continue their pre-season schedules ahead of the competitive campaign. Opatija's next fixture was not confirmed at the time of writing, while Karlovac's preparation continues with further friendlies before the league season begins.

A tight, competitive pre-season friendly decided by a moment of quality from Mišković. Opatija's defensive solidity, combined with the promising debut of Domjanić, offers encouraging signs for Bogolin's side. Karlovac will take positives from a disciplined display but lacked cutting edge in the final third.