Varaždin vs Gorica: Quarter-Final Clash in the Croatia Cup
VARAŽDIN, 04 March 2026 – The knockout stages of the Croatia Cup take centre stage today as NK Varaždin host HNK Gorica in a high-stakes quarter-final encounter. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, both sides meet at the Stadion Anđelko Herjavec (Varteks Stadion) for a 16:00 UTC kickoff.
This fixture comes at a pivotal moment in the domestic season. While league form provides the backdrop, the “one-off” nature of the cup often levels the playing field between these two consistent top-flight competitors. Varaždin enters the match with the advantage of home turf, looking to capitalise on a venue where they have historically proven difficult to break down.
Head-to-Head Record and Statistics
The rivalry between NK Varaždin and HNK Gorica has been remarkably balanced over recent years, though different statistical databases offer slightly varying perspectives on their total competitive history. According to historical records, the two sides have met approximately 25 to 26 times in professional competition.
| Metric | NK Varaždin Wins | HNK Gorica Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical H2H (Aggregate) | 9 – 11 | 6 – 7 | 9 |
In their most recent league encounters during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, the margins have been razor-thin. Notable recent results include a 2-1 victory for Varaždin in August 2024 and a 0-0 stalemate earlier this year in January 2026. This suggests that today’s cup tie is unlikely to be a high-scoring blowout, but rather a tactical battle of attrition.
Current Form and Team News
NK Varaždin
Varaždin has maintained a solid mid-table presence in the SuperSport HNL this season. Their path to the quarter-finals has been defined by defensive discipline. Playing at the Stadion Anđelko Herjavec, they typically rely on a structured 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to exploit the wings. Fans will be looking for a repeat of the composure shown in their recent league outings to secure a spot in the final four.
HNK Gorica
Gorica travels to Varaždin as the slight underdog based on recent H2H trends, but their cup pedigree remains strong. Having struggled for consistency in the league—sitting just behind the top five—the Croatia Cup represents their best opportunity for silverware and European qualification. They are expected to field a full-strength lineup, likely focusing on a compact midfield to disrupt Varaždin’s rhythm.
Match Details
- Tournament: Croatia Cup (Quarter-Finals)
- Date: Wednesday, 04 March 2026
- Time: 16:00 UTC
- Venue: Stadion Anđelko Herjavec, Varaždin
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time does Varaždin vs Gorica start?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 UTC on Wednesday, 04 March 2026. Local time in Croatia is CET (UTC+1), making it a 17:00 start for local fans.
Where is the match being played?
The game will take place at the Stadion Anđelko Herjavec, also known as the Varteks Stadion, in the city of Varaždin, Croatia.
Is this a league match or a cup match?
Today’s fixture is a quarter-final match in the Croatia Cup (Hrvatski nogometni kup). Unlike league matches, this is a knockout game that must be decided today, potentially through extra time and penalties.
What was the result of their last meeting?
Their most recent competitive meeting took place on 23 January 2026 in the HNL, which resulted in a hard-fought draw. In the previous season (August 2024), Varaždin secured a 2-1 home victory.
Who is the favourite to win?
Bookmakers and analysts view this as a “toss-up” game. While Varaždin has a slightly better H2H record with 11 wins to Gorica’s 6, the high number of draws (9) suggests a very close encounter. Public betting insights suggest a low-scoring game, with many tipping “Under 2.5 goals.”