Neretva Metković vs Val Kaštel Stari Match Recap - Nov 8, 2025

Neretva Metković Continues Winning Streak with Narrow Victory Over Val Kaštel Stari

Neretva Metković secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Val Kaštel Stari, extending their impressive run to five wins in six matches. The match, held at Igralište Iza Vage, showcased Neretva's defensive resilience and tactical discipline, further solidifying their position in the upper echelons of the league.

The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Neretva found the net, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Val Kaštel. This goal not only sealed the match but also highlighted Neretva's ability to convert pressure into points. With this win, they now sit comfortably in fourth place with 20 points, a stark contrast to Val Kaštel's struggles, who remain in tenth with just 15 points.

Neretva's recent form has been nothing short of remarkable. They have scored eight goals while conceding only one in their last four matches. This defensive solidity has been a hallmark of their play, allowing them to control games effectively. The backline, led by a disciplined unit, has become a fortress, making it increasingly difficult for opponents to find a way through. Their last outing against HNK Zadar, where they triumphed 3-0, was a testament to their growing confidence and tactical acumen.

In contrast, Val Kaštel Stari's season has been riddled with inconsistency. Despite a promising 3-1 victory over Zagora just days prior, they have struggled to maintain that momentum. Their defense has been porous, conceding ten goals in their last five matches. This vulnerability was evident against Neretva, as they failed to contain the attacking threats posed by their opponents. The absence of a cohesive defensive strategy has left them exposed, and today's match only amplified those concerns.

Ante Raos, who has been pivotal for Neretva throughout the season, continued to showcase his importance in this match. His ability to dictate play and contribute offensively has made him a key figure in Neretva's resurgence. While he did not score today, his presence on the pitch was felt as he orchestrated much of Neretva's attacking play. Raos' consistency has been a driving force behind their recent success, and his leadership will be crucial as they look to maintain this winning streak.

On the other side, Marko Buljan of Val Kaštel Stari faced an uphill battle against Neretva's organized defense. Despite flashes of brilliance in previous matches, Buljan struggled to make an impact today. His inability to galvanize his teammates and create scoring opportunities underscored Val Kaštel's ongoing issues in front of goal. The pressure is mounting on him to step up as a leader and deliver results if Val Kaštel hopes to climb out of the lower half of the table.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction, I anticipated a comfortable win for Neretva based on their recent form and historical advantage over Val Kaštel. While I expected them to dominate possession and create numerous chances, the match unfolded as a tightly contested affair. Nevertheless, Neretva's ability to grind out results speaks volumes about their character and determination this season.

Looking ahead, Neretva will face Kamen Ivanbegovina next, where they will aim to extend their winning streak further. Meanwhile, Val Kaštel Stari must regroup quickly as they prepare for a challenging encounter against GOŠK Dubrovnik. The stakes are high for both teams; for Neretva, it's about maintaining momentum toward promotion aspirations, while for Val Kaštel, it's about finding a way to escape the clutches of mediocrity.

Today's match was more than just three points; it was a statement from Neretva Metković that they are serious contenders this season. As they continue to build on this momentum, the question remains: can they sustain this level of performance and challenge for promotion? Only time will tell, but for now, they are riding high on confidence and results.