Istra 1961 vs Gorica predictions, Feb 21, 2026

Croatian HNL, on Saturday,

Istra 1961

Gorica

Score, Highlights

Short Preview

As Istra 1961 prepares to host HNK Gorica in the Croatian HNL on February 21, 2026, both teams are keen to capitalize on the opportunity for crucial points. Istra 1961 enters the match with a challenging recent form, having secured just one victory in their last five matches. This has placed increased pressure on their tactical execution, as they will need to enhance their attacking efficiency to break down Gorica’s defense.

In contrast, HNK Gorica appears to be in better shape, boasting three wins in their last five fixtures. Their recent performances have shown a balanced approach, combining solid defensive organization with the ability to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Gorica’s tactical flexibility could present challenges for Istra, who will need to find ways to neutralize their opponents’ counterplay while also creating scoring chances of their own.

Bookmakers have installed Istra 1961 as slight favorites at odds of 2.07, while Gorica stands at 3.43. Our model predicts a 43.6% likelihood of a home victory, with the probabilities for a draw and away win sitting at 28.6% and 27.1%, respectively. The match promises to be closely contested, and both teams will be eager to bolster their standings. As always in soccer, outcomes remain unpredictable and heavily influenced by match-day performances.

This preview is generated with the Welcome.Bet AI Insights Engine, combining form data, betting odds, and semantic SEO optimization to deliver relevant match analysis for fans and bettors alike from 2026-02-14T15:52:02+00:00.

Istra 1961
44.3%
Draw
29%
Gorica
26.7%

Watch Watch and Bet Istra 1961 – Gorica available at: Bet Now (Full Screen)

Betting Odds

1 X 2
betsson 2.08 3.2 3.45
MarathonBet 2.08 3.15 3.45 Watch Watch and Bet
Best for US Customers 2.05 3.14 3.4

Latest Results

14.02.26 Dinamo Zagreb – Istra 1961 – 4:0
07.02.26 HNK Vukovar 91 – Istra 1961 – 3:2
30.01.26 Istra 1961 – NK Lokomotiva Zagreb – 1:1
25.01.26 Hajduk Split – Istra 1961 – 1:2
20.01.26 Istra 1961 – HNK Rijeka – 1:2
06.02.26 NK Lokomotiva Zagreb – HNK Gorica – 3:0
31.01.26 HNK Gorica – Hajduk Split – 1:0
26.01.26 HNK Gorica – NK Varaždin – 1:2
17.01.26 HNK Gorica – Zalaegerszegi TE – 1:0
13.01.26 HNK Gorica – NK Radomlje – 2:0

Facts

  • A mid-table team will face off against the outsider in this match (ranked 5 and 8).
  • In the last 5 head-to-head matches, Istra 1961 won 1.
  • Istra 1961 has been struggling lately (last 5 games: 1 wins).
  • Gorica has been playing with ups and downs recently (in the last 5 games, wins – 3).
  • Gorica may have a physical advantage due to more rest days in recent times.
  • Recently, Gorica has had a series of home games.
  • Istra 1961 could have a small edge in this match.
  • In the last 20 head-to-head matches, Istra 1961 won 7 matches, drew 5 matches, lost 8 matches, and goals 21:21. (average 1.1:1.1).
  • Including home matches between the teams, Istra 1961 won 5 matches, drew 2 matches, lost 2 matches, and goals 7:4. (average 0.8:0.4).

    Latest Head To Head

    23.11.25 HNK Gorica – Istra 1961 – 1:0
    29.08.25 Istra 1961 – HNK Gorica – 1:0
    12.04.25 HNK Gorica – Istra 1961 – 3:2
    31.01.25 Istra 1961 – HNK Gorica – 0:0
    27.10.24 HNK Gorica – Istra 1961 – 1:0

    Standings

    2025/26

    Pl W D L Diff Pts
    1 Din. Zagreb 22 15 3 4 48:17 31 48
    2 Hajduk Split 21 12 4 5 32:20 12 40
    3 Rijeka 22 8 8 6 34:24 10 32
    4 Varazdin 22 9 5 8 29:30 -1 32
    5 Istra 1961 22 8 6 8 29:32 -3 30
    6 Slaven Belupo 22 8 6 8 30:34 -4 30
    7 Lok. Zagreb 22 6 8 8 26:34 -8 26
    8 Gorica 21 6 4 11 23:32 -9 22
    9 Vukovar 1991 21 4 6 11 24:39 -15 18
    10 Osijek 21 3 8 10 18:31 -13 17

    Istra 1961 – Gorica and other Croatian HNL events on our partner.

  • Croatian HNL

    Related Articles

    0 Comment