HNK Gorica and NK Varteks Varaždin Play Out a Thrilling 2-2 Draw in Croatian Football League

HNK Gorica and NK Varteks Varaždin shared the points in a compelling 2-2 draw in the Croatian Football League on September 15, 2026. Played at Stadion Radnik, the match delivered four goals, momentum swings, and enough late drama to leave both sets of supporters with mixed emotions. Gorica will feel they let a winning position slip, while Varteks will take encouragement from a resilient away performance that earned them a valuable point on the road.

The result adds another fascinating chapter to the Croatian Football League season, with both clubs looking to establish themselves in the upper half of the standings. For Gorica, the draw extends their mixed start to the campaign, while Varteks showed the kind of fighting spirit that could make them a difficult opponent for anyone in the division.

Match Overview

Gorica began the match with purpose, pressing high and looking to use the width of Stadion Radnik. The home side’s early intensity paid off when Marko Kolar opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing calmly after a quick move down the right. The goal set the tone for an open first half, with Varteks responding well rather than retreating into their shell.

Varteks equalised in the 39th minute through Tomislav Štrkalj, whose well-timed run behind the Gorica defence was rewarded with a composed finish. The away side’s goal changed the mood of the contest, and Gorica went into the break knowing they would need to raise their level again in the second half.

Key Moments

• 18th minute: Marko Kolar gives HNK Gorica a 1-0 lead with a low finish inside the penalty area.
• 39th minute: Tomislav Štrkalj equalises for NK Varteks Varaždin after a swift counter-attack.
• 54th minute: Josip Mitrović restores Gorica’s advantage with a header from a corner.
• 82nd minute: Ivan Posavec converts a penalty to make it 2-2 and set up a tense finale.
• 90+3rd minute: Gorica have one final chance from a free-kick, but the Varteks goalkeeper saves comfortably.

Tactical Story

Gorica lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape and tried to dominate possession through the middle, with their full-backs pushing high to stretch Varteks. That approach worked well in the opening half-hour, but it also left space behind the defence when attacks broke down. Varteks recognised that space and increasingly looked to play direct balls into the channels, a strategy that brought them back into the game.

After the interval, Gorica regained control by slowing the tempo and circulating the ball more patiently. Their second goal came from a set-piece, an area where they had clearly targeted Varteks. However, the away side’s substitutions added fresh energy, and the late penalty gave them a deserved share of the spoils. Varteks’ midfield duo worked tirelessly to disrupt Gorica’s rhythm, while their goalkeeper made two important saves in the final 20 minutes.

Standout Players

Marko Kolar was a constant threat for Gorica, leading the line with intelligent movement and linking play effectively. Josip Mitrović also impressed, scoring the home side’s second goal and winning several aerial duels. For Varteks, Tomislav Štrkalj was the catalyst for their comeback, while Ivan Posavec showed composure from the spot under significant pressure. The Varteks goalkeeper, although not named among the scorers, produced a string of saves that kept his team within touching distance.

Standings Impact and What Comes Next

The draw leaves both clubs with plenty to work on but also reasons for optimism. Gorica remain in the mid-table conversation and will be frustrated that they could not protect a second-half lead at home. Varteks, meanwhile, continue to show they can compete away from home and will view the point as a platform for their next fixtures.

In the wider Croatian Football League standings, every point matters as clubs jostle for position ahead of the autumn schedule. Gorica will need to improve their game management if they are to challenge for a top-half finish, while Varteks will take confidence from a performance that combined discipline, counter-attacking threat, and late resilience.