Slaven Belupo delivered a statement performance in the Croatian Cup, sweeping past NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac with a 5-0 victory on 9 September 2026. The result was as comfortable as the scoreline suggests, with the away side producing a powerful attacking display from start to finish.

One-way traffic from the opening whistle

Slaven Belupo took control immediately and never allowed their hosts into the tie. Playing with a clear game plan, they pressed high and looked to move the ball quickly into attacking areas. NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac struggled to escape their own half, and the visitors made their early pressure count with a goal that settled any early nerves.

The home side tried to respond with a more aggressive approach, but that only created additional space for Slaven Belupo to exploit. By the middle of the first half, the away team had established a commanding advantage, and the contest was already effectively over as a competition. The players in attacking positions combined with confidence, and each chance seemed to carry real menace.

A five-star showing in attack

What made the performance especially impressive was Slaven Belupo’s consistency in the final third. They did not ease off after building a comfortable lead; instead, they continued to stretch the pitch and force mistakes from the tiring home defence. By the full-time whistle, five different contributions had been added to the scoreline in a display that balanced patience with ruthlessness in front of goal.

For NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac, the loss is a painful reminder of the gap between competing in the regional game and facing an established top-flight side. Cup competitions often provide these mismatches, and the hosts will take from the evening the experience of playing against sharp, well-organised opponents.

Moving forward

Slaven Belupo progress with a statement result that will please their supporters and give the squad real belief for the next round of the Croatian Cup. Their focus now shifts back to league duty, but performances of this nature show what they are capable of when everything clicks. For Dragovoljac, the attention turns to the remainder of their season and the challenge of bouncing back from a heavy home defeat.