Slaven Koprivnica vs Istra 1961 - 1. HNL

Slaven Koprivnica secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Istra 1961 in what proved to be a hard-fought encounter at the bottom end of the 1. HNL table. The match remained goalless through a cagey first half marked by defensive solidity from both sides, before Ilija Nestorovski broke the deadlock in the 64th minute with what would prove to be the winner. The veteran striker's clinical finish came shortly after Marko Dabro's introduction from the bench, suggesting the substitution helped shift the game's momentum. With seven yellow cards handed out and time-wasting tactics employed in the closing stages, this was a typical relegation battle where every point matters, giving Koprivnica a vital boost in their fight for survival.