Slaven Belupo vs Istra 1961: Summary, H2H Stats, Lineups & Highlights

As Slaven Koprivnica prepare to host NK Istra 1961 on February 27, 2026, with kick-off at 18:00, this CROATIA: HNL fixture promises high stakes in a tightly contested title race.

Slaven Koprivnica, currently 5th in the standings with 31 points from 23 games, trail the leaders by 17 points. They've earned 20 points from 11 home games this season. Their recent form has been weak, with 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses in their last five matches. They've shown defensive issues, conceding 8 goals. At the same time, they've displayed a positive attacking record, scoring 6 goals.

NK Istra 1961, sitting 6th with 30 points, enter as underdogs but face a tough test on the road, where they've earned 14 points from 12 games this season. Their recent form has been weak, with 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses in their last five matches. They've shown defensive issues, conceding 11 goals. At the same time, they've displayed limited attacking output with 5 goals scored.

Recent meetings between Slaven Koprivnica and NK Istra 1961 have favored Slaven Koprivnica, ending in a 1-1 draw. Head-to-head results have gone either way in the last few seasons.

In their previous league match against Vukovar, Slaven Koprivnica recorded a 2-2 draw while lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Their starting XI featured Hadzikic, Zuta, Medjimorec, Bozic, Kruselj, Crepulja, Cubelic, Jakir, Mazar, Mitrovic, Dabro. A double pivot offered defensive protection while the attacking midfielder linked play between lines.

NK Istra 1961's last outing came against NK Gorica, where they secured a 0-2 defeat using a 4-4-2 system. Their starting XI featured Kolic, Sepic, Miettinen, Kumar, Kadusic, Ayuma, Radosevic, Rozic, Loncar, Frederiksen, Prevljak. The classic shape provided balance, with two banks of four offering both defensive cover and attacking support.

Looking ahead, Slaven Koprivnica are expected to maintain their unknown structure, Slaven Koprivnica and NK Istra 1961 are expected to use their standard structures. The contest is set to revolve around midfield control, pressing efficiency, and how effectively each side manages transitions between defense and attack.

Goal trends from the last ten games across all competitions suggest plenty of goals: Slaven Koprivnica's fixtures have averaged 3.1 goals per game, with 5 going over 2.5 and both teams scoring in 60% of those matches, alongside 2 clean sheets. NK Istra 1961's games average 3.2 goals, with 6 going over 2.5 and both teams scoring in 70% of those matches, alongside 0 clean sheets. With both sides capable in attack, expect goals at both ends.

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