Dubrava Zagreb vs Radnik Krizevci on 24 January
On January 24, 2026, in the friendly clash between Dubrava Zagreb and Radnik Krizevci, football fans will witness a contest with intriguing tactical battles and personal duels. The match, set in an open-air venue, may see weather conditions play a role, affecting both teams’ playing styles. With both clubs eager to fine-tune their squads ahead of the competitive season, there is much at stake for each. Let’s dive into the detailed tactical analysis, the current form of the teams, and the key battles that will shape this friendly encounter.
Dubrava Zagreb: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Dubrava Zagreb enters this match in solid form, having claimed 3 victories, 1 draw, and 1 defeat in their last 5 games. Their tactical approach revolves around a high-pressing game combined with quick transitions. They favor a 4-3-3 setup, with their wingers playing an active role in both offensive and defensive phases. In their last match, they enjoyed a possession rate of 55%, with a pass accuracy of 83% in the final third, demonstrating their ability to control the tempo of the game. Defensively, they have shown resilience with 4 clean sheets in their recent outings, highlighting the strength of their backline.
Key player: Midfielder Ivan Novak has been the engine behind Dubrava Zagreb’s impressive performances. His ability to break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball effectively has been instrumental. However, Dubrava will be without their star striker Luka Jovic, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. His absence might affect their offensive fluidity, forcing a greater reliance on the wide players to create chances.
Radnik Krizevci: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Radnik Krizevci, with a 2-2-1 record in their last 5 matches, tends to favor a more compact 4-4-2 formation. Their playing style is centered on solid defensive organization and counter-attacks. They maintain a lower defensive line, often inviting pressure from the opposition before springing fast, direct attacks. Statistically, Radnik Krizevci’s xG from their last few games is 1.3, suggesting they create decent but not overwhelming chances. Their pass accuracy has been slightly lower than Dubrava’s, hovering around 75%, indicating that their focus lies more on quick transitions rather than build-up play.
Key player: Radnik’s midfielder, Ante Kolar, is crucial in their counter-attacking play. His distribution and long passes are key to unlocking opposition defenses. However, Radnik Krizevci will miss their left-back, Luka Jurek, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His absence could lead to defensive instability on the left side, a potential weak spot for Dubrava to exploit.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The last 5 encounters between these two teams have been closely contested, with each side winning 2 matches and drawing once. Dubrava Zagreb holds a slight psychological edge, having won the most recent encounter 2-0 in a competitive league fixture, showcasing their ability to impose their high-pressing style effectively. Radnik Krizevci, however, has historically been more successful in neutral venues, making this friendly an interesting battleground for both sides to settle the score. It’s clear that the match will be fiercely contested, with the psychological edge constantly shifting depending on who dominates early.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key personal battle will be between Dubrava’s right-winger, Marko Simic, and Radnik’s makeshift left-back position. With Jurek suspended, Radnik Krizevci will have to rely on an untested player in the defensive position, which could provide Simic with the perfect opportunity to exploit the space. Additionally, the midfield battle between Dubrava’s Ivan Novak and Radnik’s Ante Kolar will be critical. Novak’s ball recovery and distribution will need to be sharp to prevent Kolar from controlling the tempo and executing counter-attacks.
The critical zone will be the midfield, where both teams will try to impose their style of play. If Dubrava can win the midfield battle and move the ball quickly into the final third, they will have the upper hand. Conversely, if Radnik manages to break Dubrava’s pressing and transition quickly to attack, they will pose a significant threat.
Match Scenario and Prediction
With both teams having distinct tactical styles, the match is likely to be an intriguing contest of contrasts. Dubrava Zagreb’s high press and possession game will come up against Radnik Krizevci’s solid defensive shape and quick counter-attacks. Given Dubrava’s superior form and the key absence for Radnik in Jurek, I predict a narrow victory for Dubrava, possibly 2-1. The game is likely to be tight, with a few key moments deciding the outcome. Expect a high number of corners, and potentially both teams to score, given Radnik’s ability to break quickly and exploit any defensive lapses from Dubrava.
Final Thoughts
The outcome of this friendly will hinge on how well Radnik Krizevci can handle Dubrava’s pressing and create chances despite their defensive vulnerabilities. For Dubrava, maintaining control in midfield and exploiting Radnik’s left flank will be crucial. This match will answer one sharp question: Can Radnik Krizevci adapt without their suspended left-back, or will Dubrava’s tactical prowess shine through to secure another victory?
