Gorica and Varteks Varazdin share the points in 2-2 thriller

HNK Gorica and NK Varteks Varazdin played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Croatian Football League on September 15, 2026, at the Stadion Radnik. The match produced four goals, momentum swings, and a late equalizer that left both sides with mixed emotions. Gorica twice took the lead, but Varteks showed remarkable resilience to salvage a point on the road.

Match overview

From the opening whistle, Gorica looked to impose themselves. The home side controlled possession and created the first clear chance in the 12th minute when a low cross from the right was narrowly missed. Varteks sat deep, looking to hit on the counter, and their game plan nearly paid off in the 25th minute with a swift break. The first half ended level after an exchange of goals, setting up a tense second period.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Gorica broke the deadlock. Ivan Lovrić latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past the Varteks goalkeeper.
• 33rd minute: Varteks responded. Josip Golubar headed home from a corner, catching the Gorica defense flat-footed.
• 58th minute: Gorica regained the lead. Marko Babić converted a penalty after a handball in the box.
• 81st minute: Varteks equalized again. Tomislav Šarić curled a superb effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Tactical story

Gorica lined up in a 4-2-3-1, looking to dominate the midfield through quick passing and overlapping full-backs. Varteks deployed a compact 5-3-2, inviting pressure and looking to spring counter-attacks. The battle in midfield was fascinating: Gorica's pivot duo kept the ball moving, but Varteks' three central midfielders blocked passing lanes effectively. The home side's inability to convert possession into clear chances proved costly, while Varteks' set-piece threat and clinical finishing kept them in the game.

Standout players

Gorica's Marko Babić was a constant threat, winning the penalty and linking play. Ivan Lovrić took his goal well. For Varteks, Tomislav Šarić was the hero with a stunning equalizer, while goalkeeper Filip Marić made several important saves to keep the score level. Varteks' captain Josip Golubar led by example with his header and tireless running.

What it means for the table

The draw leaves Gorica occupying a mid-table position in the Croatian Football League standings, with their search for consistency continuing. Varteks Varazdin, who are battling to establish themselves in the top flight, will view this as a valuable away point. Both teams will look to build on this performance in their next fixtures, with Gorica needing to improve their game management and Varteks aiming to turn draws into wins.