Dinamo Zagreb vs NK Varazdin Match Recap - Nov 22, 2025

Dinamo Zagreb Dominates NK Varazdin 3-1: A Statement of Intent in the HNL

Dinamo Zagreb's emphatic 3-1 victory over NK Varazdin at Stadion Maksimir not only solidifies their position in the title race but also highlights their attacking prowess, particularly through Arber Hoxha. This match marks a significant turnaround for Dinamo, who had been struggling with form, especially after a disappointing loss to Istra 1961 just two weeks prior. The win against Varazdin is a clear message that they are still contenders for the HNL crown.

Hoxha's brace today adds to his growing reputation as a key player for Dinamo. After scoring the decisive goal against HNK Rijeka last week, he has now found the net three times in his last two matches. His ability to convert chances is becoming increasingly vital for a team that has struggled with finishing in recent weeks. The statistics from this match reflect Dinamo's dominance: they led in shots on goal (5 to 0) and total shots (9 to 4), showcasing their offensive capabilities.

Defensively, Dinamo showed resilience, limiting Varazdin to just four total shots. This performance contrasts sharply with their recent struggles, where they conceded goals despite dominating possession. The defensive line, anchored by Scott McKenna and Sergi Domínguez, effectively neutralized Varazdin's attacking threats, allowing goalkeeper Ivan Filipović to remain largely untested throughout the match.

Varazdin's recent form has been commendable, but today's result exposes some vulnerabilities. Despite entering the match with a solid defensive record, they were unable to cope with Dinamo's relentless pressure. Their inability to register a shot on target until late in the game underscores a lack of offensive creativity against a well-organized defense. The late goal from Luka Škaričić may provide a glimmer of hope, but it does little to mask the overall performance.

The midfield battle was crucial, with Dinamo's Miha Zajc and Josip Mišić controlling the tempo and dictating play. Their combined efforts allowed Dinamo to maintain 51% possession while executing 228 passes with an impressive accuracy of 89%. In contrast, Varazdin struggled to establish rhythm, completing only 219 passes at an accuracy of 87%. This disparity in midfield control was pivotal in determining the outcome of the match.

Looking at the recent performances of both teams, Dinamo's resurgence is evident. After suffering back-to-back losses, they have now secured two consecutive victories, scoring five goals in the process. This newfound confidence could be crucial as they prepare for their next match against HNK Gorica. On the other hand, Varazdin's recent form has been mixed, with only one win in their last five matches. They will need to regroup quickly as they face HNK Hajduk Split next.

The implications of this match extend beyond just three points. For Dinamo Zagreb, it reaffirms their status as title challengers and boosts morale after a rocky patch. For NK Varazdin, it serves as a wake-up call; they must address their attacking inefficiencies if they hope to remain competitive in the upper echelons of the league.

In summary, Dinamo Zagreb's victory over NK Varazdin is a testament to their attacking depth and defensive solidity. With players like Hoxha stepping up when it matters most, they are poised to challenge for the title as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Varazdin must reassess their strategy and find ways to convert possession into meaningful chances if they wish to maintain their position near the top of the table.