It was a nice sunny day in Velika Gorica, perfect for a football match with talented players on the pitch.

The match saw a significant turnaround in its outcome, but what interests us most are the tactics employed.

Coach Carević decided to change his system due to the absence of three key central defenders: Krizmanić, Krešić, and Bralić. As a result, Gorica adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, shifting from their previous narrow 3-4-2-1. This new setup introduced Šlogar and Ndockyt on the wings, with Čuić leading the attack. The midfield was arranged in a triangular shape with two holding midfielders, Elezi and Halilović, and an attacking midfielder, Pajaziti. Fullbacks Mikanović and Sikošek started the match, while the central defenders were Leš and Steenworden. This tactical adjustment proved to be a good decision, as the midfield finally had the space to be more creative.

On the other side, Garcia set up his team in a formation that has become quite standardized.

The most tactically interesting aspect of the match was watching Istra’s buildup. Both central defenders and the fullbacks stayed low and narrow, inviting Gorica to press. In response, they rotated to a 3-2-2-3 formation, with one of the central defenders (more often Koski than Marešić) moving up the pitch to play a one-two with the fullback, effectively outsmarting Gorica’s press and advancing the ball forward.

Psychologically, the match had its ups and downs. Istra took a 2-0 lead and then became pasive, while Gorica ramped up their efforts and managed to overturn the match with special contribution of Čuić, Šlogar and Kolar- al three proving to be an important team members.

Overall, it was an enjoyable Saturday afternoon match to watch.