FK Novi Pazar U19 produced a statement performance in the Serbian U19 League on October 3, 2026, beating Cukaricki U19 4-2 in a pulsating six-goal contest. The home side combined sharp pressing with clinical finishing, racing into an early lead and then responding to every Cukaricki comeback attempt with another decisive blow. The win gave Novi Pazar a valuable three points and underlined their reputation as one of the most exciting attacking sides in the youth division.

Match Overview

Played under the lights with a 19:35 kick-off, the match was open from the first whistle. Novi Pazar set the tempo with a high defensive line and quick vertical passing, while Cukaricki tried to settle possession through midfield. The visitors created moments of real quality, but they were repeatedly undone by Novi Pazar’s speed in transition and their willingness to shoot from the edge of the box.

First Half: Early Pressure Pays Off

Novi Pazar needed only 12 minutes to break the deadlock. Emir Hadžić latched onto a loose ball just inside the penalty area and drilled a low finish into the bottom corner, setting the tone for a frantic opening period. The home side doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Amar Muratović met a whipped cross from the right with a glancing header.

Cukaricki responded well before the break. In first-half stoppage time, Vuk Radonjić pulled one back with a composed finish after a clever exchange on the edge of the box, sending the teams into the interval at 2-1.

Second Half: Six-Goal Thriller

The second half delivered even more drama. Novi Pazar restored their two-goal cushion in the 58th minute through Dino Hodžić, who burst through the middle and slotted past the goalkeeper. Cukaricki refused to fold, and Petar Stanković made it 3-2 in the 71st minute with a powerful strike from distance that gave the home goalkeeper no chance.

Any hopes of a Cukaricki comeback were extinguished in the 82nd minute. Haris Bihorac, who had been a constant menace on the left, cut inside and curled an excellent effort into the far corner to seal the 4-2 victory.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Emir Hadžić opens the scoring for FK Novi Pazar U19 with a low drive.
• 34th minute: Amar Muratović heads home to make it 2-0.
• 45+2nd minute: Vuk Radonjić pulls one back for Cukaricki U19 before half-time.
• 58th minute: Dino Hodžić restores the two-goal lead.
• 71st minute: Petar Stanković scores a spectacular long-range goal for Cukaricki.
• 82nd minute: Haris Bihorac finishes a sweeping move to make it 4-2.

Tactical Story

Novi Pazar lined up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 that became a 4-4-2 out of possession. Their midfield duo screened the back line well and allowed the wide players to attack aggressively. Cukaricki used a 4-3-3 and enjoyed longer spells of possession, but they left too much space between their full-backs and centre-backs, which Novi Pazar exploited repeatedly.

The home team’s pressing was particularly effective in the first 20 minutes and again immediately after half-time. Cukaricki’s best moments came when they switched play quickly, but they could not sustain that pressure often enough to take control of the match.

Standout Players

Emir Hadžić was central to everything good for Novi Pazar, scoring the opener and linking play intelligently. Haris Bihorac’s late goal capped a dynamic display, while Amar Muratović’s aerial threat gave the Cukaricki defence problems all evening. For the visitors, Vuk Radonjić and Petar Stanković were the brightest sparks, showing composure and quality in a difficult away fixture.

Season Impact

This 4-2 win gives FK Novi Pazar U19 momentum and a healthy boost to their goal difference in the Serbian U19 League. For Cukaricki U19, the defeat is a reminder that they must tighten up defensively if they are to challenge consistently. The result will be remembered as one of the season’s most entertaining matches, and it leaves both sides with clear lessons for the weeks ahead.