Slaven Belupo produced a strong second-half comeback to beat NK Varteks Varazdin 2-1 in the Croatian Football League on 25 October 2026. Varteks took an early lead and defended it with determination for much of the first hour, but Slaven’s improved control after the break turned the match around and secured an important away victory.

The result highlights the fine margins in the Croatian top flight. Varteks showed fighting spirit and organized defending, but Slaven’s ability to raise the tempo in the second half proved decisive. The visitors left with three points and a performance that underlined their credentials as a side capable of competing consistently in the upper half of the table.

Match overview

Varteks began brightly and took the lead in the 21st minute through Marko Horvat, who reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and guided it past the goalkeeper. The home side then dropped into a compact block, looking to protect their advantage and frustrate Slaven’s midfielders. Slaven controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances before the interval, with Varteks’ goalkeeper making one smart save from a low drive.

The second half was a different story. Slaven pushed their wingers higher, increased the speed of their passing and began to find space between the lines. The equalizer arrived in the 57th minute when Ivan Barišić arrived late in the box to convert a cut-back from the right. That goal changed the momentum completely, and Slaven continued to press for a winner.

The decisive moment came in the 81st minute. A quick exchange on the edge of the area opened up space for Luka Marin, whose low shot took a slight deflection on its way past the goalkeeper. Varteks pushed forward in the closing minutes, but Slaven managed the game well and saw out the win without major alarm.

Key moments

• 21st minute: Marko Horvat gave Varteks the lead with a close-range finish after a scramble in the box.
• 44th minute: Slaven’s best chance of the first half ended with a header saved comfortably by the Varteks goalkeeper.
• 57th minute: Ivan Barišić equalized with a composed finish from a right-wing cut-back.
• 81st minute: Luka Marin scored the winner with a low strike from the edge of the area.
• 90th minute: Varteks sent a late free-kick into the box, but Slaven defended it without conceding.

Tactical story

Varteks’ approach was built on defensive solidity and quick breaks. They defended in a narrow 4-4-2 block, attempting to deny Slaven space in central areas and force them wide. For 45 minutes, the plan worked well. Varteks were difficult to break down and looked dangerous on the counter, particularly through the pace of their wide players.

Slaven’s response after the break was intelligent. They moved the ball faster, rotated positions in midfield and got their full-backs higher to stretch Varteks’ defensive line. The equalizer came from exactly that kind of wide overload, and the winner followed a spell of sustained pressure. Slaven’s substitutions also added fresh energy in the final third, giving them the extra spark they had lacked in the first half.

Standout performers

Ivan Barišić was the driving force behind Slaven’s comeback, combining energy with quality in the final third. His equalizer was well taken, and his movement created space for teammates throughout the second half. Luka Marin also impressed, taking his goal confidently and linking play effectively. For Varteks, Marko Horvat deserved credit for his goal and work rate, while the goalkeeper made several important saves before the visitors’ late winner.

What the result means

Slaven Belupo’s win keeps them in touch with the leading pack in the Croatian Football League and reinforces their reputation as a side capable of grinding out results away from home. For Varteks Varazdin, the defeat is a painful one after taking the lead, but the performance showed enough character to suggest they can pick up points in the coming weeks. Both sides now turn their attention to the next round, with Slaven looking to build momentum and Varteks eager to respond quickly.