Maribor and HNK Gorica played out a 1-1 draw in an international club friendly on 28 September 2026, with both sides showing encouraging signs in a competitive workout that was far more intense than the scoreline might suggest. Maribor led at half-time, but Gorica responded with a strong second-half display to earn the draw.

Match Overview

With domestic league fixtures on the horizon, both coaches used this friendly to rotate their squads and test tactical adjustments. Maribor, the Slovenian giants, started with a strong core of first-team regulars and controlled the opening half-hour. Their early dominance was rewarded with the opening goal, and they looked comfortable for much of the first period.

HNK Gorica, however, were far from passive. The Croatian side defended diligently and grew into the game as the match progressed, pressing higher after the break and causing Maribor problems with their quick wing play. The equaliser arrived during their best spell, and from there the contest was finely balanced, with both teams creating chances to win it.

Key Moments

• 14th minute: Maribor force an early save with a dipping effort from outside the box.
• 27th minute: The opener. A patient Maribor move ends with a low cross from the right, and Žan Vipotnik turns it home from close range. 1-0.
• 41st minute: Gorica respond with a shot that flashes narrowly wide of the far post.
• 58th minute: The equaliser. Gorica’s high press forces a turnover, and Mario Čuljak finishes confidently one-on-one. 1-1.
• 72nd minute: Maribor hit the post from a header following a corner.
• 88th minute: Gorica’s goalkeeper makes an important save to deny a late Maribor winner.

Tactical Story

Maribor set up with a familiar possession-based approach, looking to build patiently from the back and use their full-backs to create width. In the first half, this worked well. They won the midfield battle and repeatedly found space between Gorica’s defence and midfield, with the opening goal a product of that control.

After the break, Gorica adjusted. They pushed their defensive line higher, pressed more aggressively and began to win the ball in advanced areas. The equaliser came directly from that pressure, a theme that will have pleased the coaching staff. Maribor, meanwhile, responded by introducing fresh legs and finishing the match strongly, hitting the post and forcing a late save.

The game also provided an opportunity for both squads to work on set-pieces and game management. With substitutes disrupting the rhythm in the second half, neither side was able to find a winning goal, but the draw felt like a fair reflection of an even contest.

Standout Performers

For Maribor, Žan Vipotnik was the focal point of their attack, scoring the goal and holding the ball up well to bring others into play. The captain in midfield dictated the tempo in the first half, and the left-back was a constant outlet going forward. The substitute centre-back also impressed with several important interventions late on.

HNK Gorica’s Mario Čuljak took his goal well and led the counter-attacking effort with energy and intelligence. The goalkeeper made a string of saves to keep the score level, while the midfield anchor was outstanding in the second half, breaking up play and launching attacks. The young winger introduced after the break added pace and directness.

What It Means

For Maribor, this friendly was a useful step in preparation for domestic commitments. The first-half performance showed their quality in possession, but the way they conceded after the break will give the coaching staff something to analyse. The result is less important than the minutes gained and the tactical experimentation.

HNK Gorica will take plenty of encouragement from their second-half display. Coming from behind against a club of Maribor’s stature is a confidence booster, and the performance of their younger players suggests healthy competition for places. Both teams now turn their attention to their respective league campaigns, with this run-out serving as a valuable benchmark.