NK Olimpija Ljubljana 2-1 Slaven Belupo: Late Winner Settles International Club Friendly

NK Olimpija Ljubljana edged Slaven Belupo 2-1 in an International Club Friendly on 1 October 2026, with a late goal deciding a contest that offered both sides a useful workout. The match, played at Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana, was competitive throughout, with Olimpija's possession game and Slaven Belupo's counterattacking approach producing a tight, tactical encounter.

Match overview

Olimpija controlled much of the ball and looked the more likely side to create clear chances. The Slovenian club moved patiently through midfield, using their full-backs to stretch Slaven Belupo's defensive block. Slaven Belupo, the Croatian side from Koprivnica, sat compact and looked to spring forward on the break. The game's rhythm was set early: Olimpija probing, Slaven waiting for turnovers.

The opening goal came from Olimpija's pressure. A sustained spell of possession ended with a smart finish, rewarding their early dominance. Slaven Belupo responded well, though, and their equaliser came from a quick transition that caught Olimpija's defence out of shape. At 1-1, the friendly became a genuinely balanced contest.

Key moments

• Olimpija take the lead: A patient build-up and a well-timed run gave Olimpija the opener, and the home side continued to dictate terms.
• Slaven Belupo hit back: A fast break and a composed finish levelled the score, proving that the Croatian visitors were far from passive.
• Goalkeeping saves: Both goalkeepers were called into action, with Slaven's goalkeeper making several stops to keep the game level into the closing stages.
• Late winning goal: Olimpija's persistence paid off when a late attacking move produced the decisive second goal, settling the friendly in their favour.

Tactical story

Olimpija's approach was built on circulation and patience. They looked to overload the flanks and deliver crosses into the box, while their midfielders screened the space in front of the defence to limit Slaven's counterattacking opportunities. Slaven Belupo, meanwhile, defended in a mid-block and tried to release their forwards quickly when they won the ball. That plan worked in patches, particularly in the first half, but Olimpija's superior control of the ball eventually told.

The friendly also gave both coaches a chance to rotate. Olimpija used the match to give minutes to squad players and test different attacking combinations, while Slaven Belupo evaluated their defensive organisation against a technically strong opponent. The late winner was a fair reward for Olimpija's second-half pressure, even if the scoreline remained close.

Standout performers

Olimpija's attacking midfielder was influential, linking play between the lines and creating the opening goal. The left-back also impressed with overlapping runs that repeatedly stretched Slaven's defence. For Slaven Belupo, the goalkeeper was arguably their best player, making a string of saves to keep the match competitive. Their centre-forward also worked tirelessly, holding the ball up and bringing others into play.

What the result means

As an International Club Friendly, the result will not affect either team's league standings, but it provided valuable preparation and match sharpness. For NK Olimpija Ljubljana, the win continues a positive run and gives the squad confidence ahead of their next domestic fixture. For Slaven Belupo, the performance offered encouraging signs in transition and defence, even if the late goal left them empty-handed.

Friendlies are often judged by fitness and tactics rather than scorelines, and this one delivered on both counts. Olimpija got the win and a look at several squad options, while Slaven Belupo proved they can compete against a strong Slovenian side. The 2-1 scoreline was a fitting reflection of a close, useful contest.