Liam Duckstein
Istra 1961 and Slaven Belupo meet at Aldo Drosina Stadium in Pula as both sides look to shake off worrying runs and regain some momentum near the end of the 1. HNL regular season. With just two points separating them in the standings, this fixture could tip the balance in the lower half of the table. Neither team has tasted victory in their last five matches, but history between these sides often brings closely contested games. A notable subplot: both head coaches are under growing pressure as a negative run could define their campaigns. Keep an eye on Istra’s Vinko Rozic, whose recent attacking efforts have stood out, and Slaven Belupo’s Marko Dabro, whose scoring record remains a bright spot in an otherwise uninspired season.
Hot stat: Istra 1961 have lost five consecutive matches and scored only two goals in that run, while Slaven Belupo’s recent six-match winless streak is only slightly less alarming, though they have managed to score in all but one of those fixtures.
| 🏆 Tournament: | 1. HNL 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Aldo Drosina Stadium, Pula |
| 🗓️ Date: | 04.05.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 18:00 CEST |
Istra 1961 vs Slaven Belupo prediction
We predict a low-scoring draw in this match, with a final scoreline likely settling at 1-1. Both sides are currently struggling for form and consistency, with neither attack looking sharp enough to break open the game. Istra 1961 have scored just twice in their last five matches and are finding it difficult to create quality chances. Slaven Belupo, while more productive up front with six goals in their last five, have issues at the back, conceding more than they would like. The balance of poor form on both sides and a lack of cutting edge in front of goal shapes this as a cautious, perhaps even tense, contest.
Both teams have shown a tendency to rack up fouls (Istra 1961 with 68 and Slaven Belupo with 53 in their last five), while yellow card counts are identical at nine each, highlighting a combative style of play. Istra 1961 have a slightly higher pass accuracy (83%) than Slaven Belupo (80%), but neither side dominates possession, and both are prone to giving the ball away cheaply. Expect midfield congestion and frequent interruptions, further dampening the prospects of a free-flowing match.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Under 2.5 goals |
| ⚽Total Goals: | 2 or fewer |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | 7-9 |
Team Analysis
Istra 1961’s latest outing, a 0-1 home defeat to Gorica, saw them struggle to create clear-cut chances despite a decent number of shots (57 across their last five). Their passing remains functional, but the lack of penetration in the final third is glaring. Kresimir Rezic’s side have now lost five in a row, conceding 10 goals in that spell and scoring just two. Defensive lapses and an inability to recover once falling behind are recurring themes.
Slaven Belupo come off a 2-2 draw against Vukovar 1991, showing some fight to come back but still unable to close out a win. Mario Gregurina’s team have drawn two of their last five and lost the rest, scoring six but conceding 10. Their attack, led by Marko Dabro, can trouble defenses, but mistakes at the back remain a major issue. Discipline is a slight concern too, with key players collecting bookings at key moments.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Istra 1961 | Slaven Belupo |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 57 | 52 |
| Corner kicks | 21 | 17 |
| Total fouls | 68 | 53 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 83 | 80 |
| Interceptions | 36 | 29 |
| Offsides | 6 | 4 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Istra 1961 vs Slaven Belupo stats page for more info.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Istra 1961 the favourite
- Moneyline Istra 1961 2.50 | Slaven Belupo 2.65
- Draw 3.20
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.25 | Under 2.5 1.65
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.90 | No 1.80
Bookmakers slightly favour Istra 1961, possibly owing to home advantage, but the odds are close and underline the even nature of this contest. With both teams winless recently, there is little to separate them on form. The draw offers solid value, while the under 2.5 goals market stands out given the lack of attacking output. BTTS is also reasonable, as both teams tend to score even in poor spells.
Possible Starting Lineups
Istra 1961 possible starting eleven
- GK: Franko Kolic
- DF: Marcel Heister, Advan Kadušić, Mohamed Nasraoui, Filip Taraba
- MF: Leo Štulac, Antonio Mauric, Stjepan Lončar, Emil Frederiksen, Dukan Ahmeti
- FW: Vinko Rozic
Franko Kolic is the undisputed choice in goal, with a consistent back four likely to feature Heister, Kadušić, Nasraoui, and Taraba. The midfield looks set to revolve around Štulac, Mauric, and Lončar, offering some control but lacking creativity. Frederiksen and Ahmeti add work rate, while Rozic is the focal point up front and the main source of goals. Expect a 4-2-3-1 shape, with an emphasis on defensive solidity.
Slaven Belupo possible starting eleven
- GK: Osman Hadžikić
- DF: Filip Kruselj, Dominik Kovačić, Vinko Međimorec, Zvonimir Katalinic
- MF: Ljuban Crepulja, Ivan Cubelic, Filip Mazar, Gabrijel Sivalec
- FW: Marko Dabro, Josip Mitrović
Osman Hadžikić remains the top pick between the sticks, with Kruselj, Kovačić, Međimorec, and Katalinic forming a familiar defensive line. The midfield engine features Crepulja and Cubelic, both of whom can contribute defensively and offensively. Mazar and Sivalec add width and energy, while Dabro and Mitrović up front can exploit any defensive lapses. Likely to use a 4-2-3-1 as well, aiming to match Istra in midfield.
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Slaven Belupo. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
We predict this match will be tight, likely ending in a draw, with both sides scoring. Defensive issues and lack of clinical finishing define both teams right now. Under 2.5 goals is the standout bet, with a 1-1 scoreline the most probable outcome. Neither side is showing enough to suggest a breakthrough is imminent, but both usually find the net at least once.
