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Varaždin vs Istra 1961 predictions, May 23, 2026

Yuriy Borshchenko

Croatian HNL, on Saturday,

Score, Highlights

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In an intriguing Croatian HNL matchup, NK Varaždin will host Istra 1961 on May 23, 2026, at their home ground. Both teams arrive with a recent form of two wins out of their last five matches, suggesting a degree of parity heading into this encounter.

NK Varaždin has shown resilience at home, leveraging their tactical approach that often prioritizes solid defensive organization coupled with quick transitions. Their ability to maintain possession will be crucial against an Istra side that also emphasizes counter-attacking football. Istra 1961, while similarly performing well recently, will need to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Varaždin to increase their chances of a favorable outcome.

Bookmakers have priced NK Varaždin as narrow favorites at 2.38, indicating a home advantage, while Istra 1961 is set at 3.77. Our model suggests a probability of 38.8% for a home win, 36.4% for a draw, and 25.1% for an away win, illustrating a closely contested affair. Ultimately, both teams will be keen to secure vital points, making this an enticing match with no guaranteed outcomes.

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 2026-05-17T22:52:02+00:00.

Varaždin
40.9%		 Draw
32.3%		 Istra 1961
26.7%

Prediction (the most likely score): 1:1

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Betting Odds

1 X 2
2.31 2.74 3.73
2.28 2.88 3.45
2.18 3.02 3.52 Watch and Bet
2.25 3.2 3
2.38 2.59 3.77

Latest Results

15.05.26 HNK Vukovar 91 – NK Varaždin – 0:2
09.05.26 NK Varaždin – NK Lokomotiva Zagreb – 1:1
03.05.26 Hajduk Split – NK Varaždin – 3:1
26.04.26 Dinamo Zagreb – NK Varaždin – 2:1
22.04.26 NK Varaždin – HNK Rijeka – 1:0		 17.05.26 Istra 1961 – HNK Rijeka – 0:0
10.05.26 NK Osijek – Istra 1961 – 0:1
04.05.26 Istra 1961 – NK Slaven Belupo – 3:1
27.04.26 HNK Gorica – Istra 1961 – 1:0
22.04.26 Istra 1961 – Dinamo Zagreb – 0:2

Facts

  • One team leads the standings, the other sits mid-table (ranked 3 in the zone Promotion ~ Conference League (Qualification: ) and 6).
  • Varaždin is Qualified for Conference League (Qualification )
  • In the last 5 head-to-head matches, Varaždin won 0.
  • Each of the teams is struggling with stability in their game.
  • Varaždin may have a physical advantage due to more rest days in recent times.
  • Varaždin might have a minor edge in this game.
  • In the last 20 head-to-head matches, Varaždin won 5 matches, drew 8 matches, lost 7 matches, and goals 17:23. (average 0.9:1.2).
  • Including home matches between the teams, Varaždin won 3 matches, drew 6 matches, lost 2 matches, and goals 12:13. (average 1.1:1.2).

    Latest Head To Head

    20.03.26 Istra 1961 – NK Varaždin – 2:1
    19.12.25 NK Varaždin – Istra 1961 – 1:3
    03.10.25 Istra 1961 – NK Varaždin – 1:0
    11.05.25 Istra 1961 – NK Varaždin – 0:0
    08.03.25 NK Varaždin – Istra 1961 – 0:0

    Standings

    2025/26

    Pl W D L Diff Pts
    1 Din. Zagreb ✔ 35 27 4 4 93:28 65 85
    2 Hajduk Split ✔ 35 19 8 8 55:33 22 65
    3 Varazdin ✔ 35 14 9 12 45:46 -1 51
    4 Rijeka ✔ 35 13 11 11 47:36 11 50
    5 Lok. Zagreb 35 10 13 12 40:52 -12 43
    6 Istra 1961 35 12 7 16 39:48 -9 43
    7 Slaven Belupo 35 10 11 14 46:59 -13 41
    8 Gorica 35 11 8 16 40:46 -6 41
    9 Osijek 35 7 11 17 25:49 -24 32
    10 Vukovar 1991 35 6 10 19 34:67 -33 28

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