In an entertaining International Club Friendly clash on July 21, 2026, NK Brinje Grosuplje fell just short against Ukrainian side FK Epitsentr Dunayivtsi, losing 3–2 in a match that swung back and forth. The encounter, played at Grosuplje’s home ground, provided both teams with valuable pre-season minutes and a chance to sharpen their tactical approaches ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, both sides showed intent to play attacking football. FK Epitsentr took the lead in the first half through a well‑worked move that caught the Slovenian hosts off guard. However, NK Brinje Grosuplje responded quickly, levelling the score before the interval with a clinical finish from inside the box. The second half saw a similar pattern: Epitsentr regained the advantage, only for Brinje to equalise again, setting the stage for a tense final quarter of the match. The visitors proved more composed in the closing stages, netting what turned out to be the winning goal with around 15 minutes left on the clock.

Key Moments

• 28' – Epitsentr open the scoring – A sweeping counter‑attack found the net, leaving the Brinje defence exposed.
• 41' – Brinje equalise – A well‑struck shot from the edge of the area gave the home fans reason to cheer.
• 58' – Epitsentr retake the lead – A set‑piece header restored the advantage for the Ukrainian side.
• 67' – Brinje level again – A fast break and low cross led to a tap‑in for the home forwards.
• 75' – Decisive strike from Epitsentr – A curling effort from outside the box sealed the 3–2 victory.

Tactical Story

NK Brinje Grosuplje, a club that competes in the Slovenian lower leagues, showed plenty of attacking spirit but struggled to contain Epitsentr’s pace on the wings. The Ukrainian outfit, known for their solid defensive organisation in the Ukrainian First League, repeatedly exploited spaces left by Brinje’s advancing full‑backs. The visitors’ ability to vary their attacks – mixing short passes with direct balls over the top – kept the home defence guessing throughout the 90 minutes.

For Brinje, the match served as a useful test of their fitness and tactical discipline. The coaching staff will be encouraged by their team’s resilience in fighting back twice, but the late defensive lapse that led to the winning goal will give them something to work on in training.

Standout Performers

While exact individual scorers were not officially recorded, FK Epitsentr’s midfield playmaker was notably influential, pulling the strings in the final third and assisting two of the goals. On the Brinje side, the left winger caused problems all evening with his direct running and delivered the cross for the second equaliser.

Season Context

This friendly forms part of both clubs’ preparations for the 2026‑27 season. For NK Brinje Grosuplje, matches against foreign opposition offer a chance to test themselves against different styles before the start of the Slovenian lower‑league campaign. FK Epitsentr Dunayivtsi, meanwhile, continue their build‑up towards the Ukrainian First League, seeking to integrate new signings and establish a consistent rhythm ahead of competitive fixtures.

Victory in this match gives Epitsentr a confidence boost, while Brinje will take positives from their attacking display despite the narrow defeat.