Varaždin defeats Hajduk 2-1 in opening HNL match FAST-MOVING
Varaždin beat Hajduk Split 2‑1 in the first round of the 2026/27 SuperSport HNL at the Varteks stadium. Mario Mladenovski opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, Luka Mamić added a second in the 62nd, while Hajduk’s only reply came from Rokas Pukštas in the 56th minute. In stoppage time Marko Livija missed a penalty that would have levelled the game, with Varaždin goalkeeper Josip Silić making the save.
Coach Gonzalo Garcia criticised the team’s sluggish first half, the congested schedule and the lack of depth on the wings, while pundits Samir Toplak and Valentina Miletić highlighted a loss of respect for Hajduk and a squad imbalance. Fan group Torcida sparked further controversy by burning seats in the away sector and displaying a protest banner, prompting criticism of the club’s handling of supporter unrest.
The defeat marks Hajduk’s second loss of the season, raising questions about the squad’s readiness for upcoming domestic and European fixtures.
Entities: Croatian Football Federation · Gonzalo García · HNK Hajduk Split · Hajduk Split · Hajduk Split (football club) · Josip Silić · Luka Mamić · Mario Mladenovski · Marko Livaja · Marko Livija · NK Varaždin · Nikola Šafarić
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Josip Silić saved a penalty taken by Marko Livaja in the 90th minute. (match reports and player interview)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Coach Gonzalo García criticised his team’s first‑half performance, player fatigue and injuries, and defended his rotation choices. (press conference)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Samir Toplak and Valentina Miletić said Hajduk lacks respect and suffers from squad imbalance. (post‑match commentary)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Varaždin’s goals were scored by Mario Mladenovski (53') and Luka Mamić (62'). (match reports)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Torcida set fire to a section of the Varaždin tribune after the match. (media reports)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Rokas Pukštas scored Hajduk’s only goal. (match reports)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Marko Livaja missed the penalty. (match reports)
- [● 12 SOURCES] Varaždin defeated Hajduk Split 2-1 in the first round of the SuperSport HNL. (multiple match reports)