In the northern derby, Varaždin scored three goals against Slaven Belupo in the first half alone, with left-back Gregor Sikošek particularly impressing. Former Hajduk goalkeeper Karlo Sentić had a day to forget, especially for the second goal.
In the second round of the HNL, Varaždin hosted Slaven Belupo and raced to a three-goal lead by halftime, securing their second win of the season. The hero of the match was left-back Gregor Sikošek, who provided two fantastic assists within just two minutes.
Sikošek first set up a teammate for the opening goal in the 26th minute, and just two minutes later, in the 28th, he delivered a pass from about 60 meters to Luka Mamić. Mamić capitalized on a costly error by goalkeeper Karlo Sentić, who completely misjudged his rush off the line, allowing Mamić to round him and slot the ball into an empty net.
This was Sentić's second appearance since returning to the HNL, having arrived in Varaždin after a stint in Hungary. He is particularly remembered at Hajduk, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper in the 2022/23 season after Lovre Kalinić's serious injury, but he failed to establish himself. Coach Ivan Leko soon turned to Ivan Lučić, and Sentić later left the club amid significant disagreements.
Sentić once recounted how Leko greeted him at training camp in Istria. "Coach Ivan Leko came to the camp, and that's when things took a turn. You see, our first interaction went like this. We were in Istria for preseason, having a routine team meeting, and he pointed his finger at me in front of everyone and said, 'Sentić, you're only here because everyone else is injured,'" Sentić recalled for Telegram.hr.
He added that the players immediately sensed things weren't heading in the right direction: "I thought to myself, 'I know that. But as a coach, you can't say that to me like that.' The players, well, they seemed to see that it wasn't going the way they expected. After Mislav Karoglan, it looked like it wouldn't end well, and that's exactly what happened-a huge disappointment."
Meanwhile, GNK Dinamo officially confirmed the transfer of 19-year-old Noah Nsoki on Saturday. The talented player, born in Tournan-en-Brie near Paris, arrives from PSG, where he won two French U19 titles, last season's Ligue 1 senior title, and the Trophée des Champions. Nsoki plays as a left winger and attacking midfielder, and he will wear the number 77 jersey at Dinamo. "Welcome to Dinamo, welcome to Zagreb, welcome to Croatia!" the club said.
The Blues also announced a historic event at Maksimir. On Sunday at 6:30 PM, the #Ramljak26 final against Ajax will be played, marking the last match on the main pitch before the demolition of the old stadium. Admission is free for all fans, and the lower West stand opens at 5:30 PM. The match will be broadcast live exclusively on Dinamo Plus.
