HNK Orijent 1919 secured a convincing 3‑1 victory over NK Dren Vrhnika in an International Club Friendly at the Stadion Krimeja in Rijeka. The Croatian side dominated from start to finish, using their superior speed and technical ability to overwhelm the Slovenian visitors. The win marks a strong start to Orijent’s pre‑season schedule as they prepare for the 2026‑27 Prva NL campaign.

Match Overview

Orijent took the lead inside the first 10 minutes when winger Luka Štefanac cut inside from the left and curled a shot into the far corner. Dren Vrhnika equalized against the run of play in the 24th minute through a penalty converted by Miha Zajc, but the joy was short‑lived. Orijent regained the lead before halftime when Mateo Marić headed in from a corner. The home side added a third in the 68th minute as substitute Ivan Begić finished off a swift counter‑attack.

Key Moments

• 8′ – Štefanac’s opener: A beautiful individual effort, cutting in from the left and bending it past the keeper.
• 24′ – Dren penalty: Zajc converted coolly after a handball in the box.
• 42′ – Marić header: A powerful header from a well‑delivered corner restored Orijent’s lead.
• 68′ – Begić seals the win: Clinical counter‑attack finished with a low shot.

Tactical Story

Orijent employed a high‑intensity 4‑3‑3 press that forced Dren Vrhnika into mistakes. The Croatian side dominated possession and created chances through quick combination play in the final third. Dren struggled to build from the back and relied on set pieces and counter‑attacks. Orijent’s full‑backs pushed high, leaving space in behind, but Dren lacked the quality to exploit it consistently.

Standout Players

• Luka Štefanac (Orijent): Scored the first goal and was a constant menace on the wing.
• Mateo Marić (Orijent): Solid at the back and contributed with a goal from a set piece.
• Ivan Begić (Orijent): Impact substitute who sealed the win with a well‑taken goal.

Season Impact

HNK Orijent 1919 will be encouraged by their performance, which suggests they are in good shape ahead of their Prva NL season. The team’s chemistry in attack looks promising. NK Dren Vrhnika, playing in the Slovenian 2. SNL, have work to do defensively but showed spirit with their equalizer. More friendlies await both sides.