NK Varazdin vs NK Slaven Belupo Match Recap - Oct 25, 2025

Slaven Belupo Overpowers Varazdin in Crucial Match, Tightening League Standings

At Gradski stadion Varazdin, the autumn chill matched the intense atmosphere as NK Slaven Belupo decisively defeated NK Varazdin 3-1 on October 25, 2025. This result continues to underscore the fierce competition in the HNL standings, where both teams are fighting for relevance in a tightly packed midtable.

In what could be described as a redirection of fortunes from their previous battle, where Belupo had also triumphed 3-1 back in August, the visitors established their dominance early. Ante Šuto, who has emerged as a key player for Belupo, struck twice in quick succession, first finding the net in the 24th minute and then again just eight minutes later. His clinical finishing exploited Varazdin's defensive frailties, leaving home fans in disbelief.

Just when it seemed Varazdin would falter, they responded fiercely. Luka Mamić gave the home crowd a glimmer of hope with a goal in the 35th minute, narrowing the deficit to one. However, any momentum they might have gained was swiftly extinguished when Adriano Jagušić restored Belupo's two-goal advantage in the 58th minute, ensuring their comfort as the match progressed.

This defeat is a dig into the heart of Varazdin's recent momentum, which had seen them rise to fourth place in the league after a commendable victory against HNK Gorica just a week prior. They now sit with 15 points after 10 matches, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the HNL. For Belupo, the win consolidates their position just behind Varazdin, moving them up to fifth with 13 points, a welcome boost following an inconsistent start to the season.

Heading into the match, I had predicted a cautious encounter, with both teams possibly settling for a draw as they navigated their recent struggles. It seems I misjudged the urgency of the contest; the attacking prowess of Belupo, particularly the decisive edge brought by players like Šuto, turned my prediction on its head.

With the season now entering a critical phase, both teams are acutely aware of what lies ahead. Varazdin, despite their struggles today, need to regroup quickly and capitalize on their strengths if they hope to maintain their footing in the league. Meanwhile, Belupo will look to build on this impressive performance, seeking consistency to propel themselves into the conversation for European competition as winter approaches. The stakes remain palpably high, as every point will be crucial in this congested midtable battle.