Istra 1961 vs Dinamo Zagreb preview

Croatia flag 2026/2027 1. HNL, Croatia
Stadion Aldo Drosina
1. HNL
Istra 1961Istra 1961
2 – 2
Dinamo ZagrebGNK
Full Time
Round 5 Regular Season
Dukan Ahmeti - 29'
Goal
|
Goal
Dion Beljo - 24'

CONTEXT

Istra 1961 hosted Dinamo Zagreb in a match that concluded with a 2-2 draw. The home side led 2-1 at halftime after capitalizing on early opportunities despite holding only 29 percent possession. Dinamo Zagreb dominated the ball with 71 percent but required a second half response to level the score. The stronger team according to pre match assessment could not convert territorial advantage into a victory. No red cards were shown to either side and the game remained at full strength throughout. The final outcome reflected a balanced contest where both teams contributed to an entertaining result. Significant deviation was noted in the performance of Dinamo Zagreb relative to expectations.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Significant deviation occurred for Dinamo Zagreb in this fixture.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift was in line with expected performance levels.
  • xG alignment: No xG data was recorded to assess outcome alignment.
  • Market alignment: The result aligned with pre match projections.
  • xG expectations: Expected goals data was unavailable for this match.
  • Event impact: Second half adjustments produced the final 2-2 scoreline.
  • Red card distortion: Absence of red cards created no distortion to match flow.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
P. Pavlešić
P. Pavlešić
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
I. Janić
I. Janić
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
K. Šarić
K. Šarić
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Antonio Melnjak
Antonio Melnjak
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Istra 1961 L. Cabello
L. Cabello
VS
Dinamo Zagreb M. Kovačević
M. Kovačević
1.06
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
2.65
0.83 i
Last 6 Opponents
Rijeka Rank: 72 L
Slaven Koprivnica Rank: 62 W
Hajduk Split Rank: 75 D
Lokomotiva Zagreb Rank: 65 L
Varaždin Rank: 71 L
Rijeka Rank: 72 D
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
2.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Varaždin Rank: 71 W
Rudeš Rank: 50 W
Rijeka Rank: 74 D
Slaven Koprivnica Rank: 62 W
Lokomotiva Zagreb Rank: 65 D
Slaven Koprivnica Rank: 62 W
2
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
2 - 1 - 5
5

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
65.78
82.69
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Istra 1961
Dinamo Zagreb
Power Score
65.78
82.69
League Position
7
1
Global Rank
390
54

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Istra 1961 — Opponent-weighted form score
Dinamo Zagreb — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Istra 1961 Dinamo Zagreb

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Istra 1961

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Dinamo Zagreb

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —
Possession Efficiency data not available for this match.

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Istra 1961 ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Dinamo Zagreb
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Istra 1961 Dinamo Zagreb
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
—
—
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
— vs —
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Istra 1961 Dinamo Zagreb
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
—
—
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
— vs —
xG set-piece data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using proxy metrics (shots, dangerous attacks). Confidence: Medium.
Istra 1961
Dinamo Zagreb
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Istra 1961
vs
Dinamo Zagreb
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Istra 1961 Dinamo Zagreb
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Istra 1961 0.00
Dinamo Zagreb 0.00
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Istra 1961 Dinamo Zagreb
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Istra 1961 0.00
Dinamo Zagreb 0.00
Istra 1961
Dinamo Zagreb
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • GNK had peak pressure around 63'.
  • GNK started the game with stronger pressure.
  • Both teams' pressure dropped after the 30th minute.
Istra 1961 Pressure GNK Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: GNK reached the top pressure at 63' (75.91).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 8 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Istra 1961 Istra 1961 Home
8 matches
Dinamo Zagreb GNK Away
Match Record
2
Wins
5
1
Draws
1
5
Losses
2
Goals
8
Goals Scored
20
20
Goals Conceded
8
-12
Goal Difference
+12
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-29T14:30:55+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 4-3-3
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026/2027 1. HNL, Croatia · Round 5 · Regular Season
Stadium
Stadion Aldo Drosina
Capacity
9800
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Patrik Pavlešić
Ivan Janić
Kruno Šarić
Antonio Melnjak

Statistics

Possession
Istra 1961
34%
GNK
66%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 2
1 Big Chances Created 4
1 Shots 8
36 Dangerous attacks 96
29 Possession 71
4 Corners 8
14 Free kicks 10
1 Yellow Cards 3

Match Overview

15 Goal Kicks 5
5 Substitutions 5
18 Throwins 29
7 Dribble Attempts 19
6 Successful Dribbles 7
86 Successful Dribbles Percentage 37

Attacking

75 Attacks 137
0 Big Chances Missed 2

Possession

52 Long Passes 30
227 Passes 561
149 Successful Passes 490
66 Successful Passes Percentage 87
3 Key Passes 12
17 Successful Long Passes 18
33 Successful Long Passes Percentage 60

Defensive

1 Saves 1
18 Tackles 12
20 Interceptions 5
44 Duels Won 48

Build-up

14 Total Crosses 28
1 Accurate Crosses 9

Discipline

1 Offsides 3
10 Fouls 14

Lineup

Referee : Patrik Pavlešić

Starting XI ▼

1
Franko Kolic
Franko Kolic Goalkeeper
7.2
3
Mohamed Nasraoui
Mohamed Nasraoui Defender
6.74
24
Filip Taraba
Filip Taraba
Defender90+2'
6.62
13
Niko Sepic
Niko Sepic Defender
6.67
16
Samuli Miettinen
Samuli Miettinen Defender
6.42
44
Rene Hrvatin
Rene Hrvatin Defender
6.55
7
Vinko Rozic
Vinko Rozic Midfielder
6.76
30
Nik Skafar Zuzic
Nik Skafar Zuzic
Attacker70'
6.71
20
Dukan Ahmeti
Dukan Ahmeti Midfielder
6.92
4
Raul Kumar
Raul Kumar
Defender76'
7.04
22
Emil Frederiksen
Emil Frederiksen Midfielder
8.12
80
Ivan Saranic
Ivan Saranic
Attacker90+2'
6.99
25
Gustavo Albarracín
Gustavo Albarracín Midfielder
6.6
8
Antonio Mauric
Antonio Mauric
Midfielder76'
6.45
88
Daouda Doumbia
Daouda Doumbia Midfielder
6.67
94
Hamza Jaganjac
Hamza Jaganjac Attacker
7.3
Referee : Patrik Pavlešić

Starting XI ▼

33
Ivan Nevistic
Ivan Nevistic Goalkeeper
6.65
6
Stjepan Radeljic
Stjepan Radeljic Defender
7.25
22
Matteo Pérez Vinlöf
Matteo Pérez Vinlöf Defender
7.56
25
Moris Valincic
Moris Valincic Defender
6.69
36
Sergi Domínguez
Sergi Domínguez Defender
6.4
26
Scott McKenna
Scott McKenna
Defender46'
7.11
7
Luka Stojkovic
Luka Stojkovic Midfielder
7.42
14
Kirill Kravtsov
Kirill Kravtsov
Midfielder62'
6.63
27
Josip Misic
Josip Misic Midfielder
7.08
80
Lukas Kacavenda
Lukas Kacavenda Midfielder
7.43
—
Lukas Kacavenda
73'
9
Dion Beljo
Dion Beljo Attacker
8.26
11
Arbër Hoxha
Arbër Hoxha Attacker
7.04
99
Mislav Orsic
Mislav Orsic
Attacker62'
6.84
21
Mateo Lisica
Mateo Lisica Attacker
6.65
30
Fran Topic
Fran Topic
Attacker62'
6.93

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Ivan Saranic → Emil Frederiksen
9th Substitution
90+2'
Event
Filip Taraba → Mohamed Nasraoui
10th Substitution
90+2'
90+2'
Event
Scott McKenna
Unsportsmanlike conduct / 4th Yellowcard
84'
Event
Smail Prevljak
Header / 4th Goal
Event
Javier Cabello
Argument / 5th Yellowcard
83'
Event
Raul Kumar → Dukan Ahmeti
7th Substitution
76'
Event
Antonio Mauric → Gustavo Albarracín
8th Substitution
76'
73'
Event
Smail Prevljak → Lukas Kacavenda
6th Substitution
Event
Nik Skafar Zuzic → Vinko Rozic
5th Substitution
70'
67'
Event
Lukas Kacavenda
Argument / 3rd Yellowcard
Event
Hamza Jaganjac
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
62'
62'
Event
Kirill Kravtsov → Luka Stojkovic
2nd Substitution
62'
Event
Mislav Orsic → Arbër Hoxha
3rd Substitution
62'
Event
Fran Topic → Mateo Lisica
4th Substitution
46'
Event
Scott McKenna → Sergi Domínguez
1st Substitution
1ST-HALF
Event
Dukan Ahmeti
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
29'
24'
Event
Dion Beljo
Header / 2nd Goal
Event
Hamza Jaganjac
Left foot shot / 1st Goal
14'
13'
Event
Luka Stojkovic
Foul / 1st Yellowcard

Match Commentary

90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Scott McKenna receives a yellow card.
68
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
67
Attempt Attempt
Matteo Perez Vinlof takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
67
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
67
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Lukas Kacavenda.
65
Attempt Attempt
Dukan Ahmeti takes a left-footed shot but misses.
63
Attempt Attempt
Fran Topic takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
63
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
62
Update Update
On comes Fran Topic, and Mateo Lisica goes off.
62
Update Update
Kirill Kravtsov replaces Luka Stojkovic.
62
Update Update
Mislav Orsic is on, and Arber Hoxha is off.
62
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Hamza Jaganjac receives a yellow card.
61
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
56
Attempt Attempt
Stjepan Radeljic attempts a header but misses the shot.
56
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
53
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
46
Update Update
Scott McKenna comes on for Sergi Dominguez.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
43
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
42
Attempt Attempt
Luka Stojkovic takes a right-footed shot but misses.
32
Attempt Attempt
Lukas Kacavenda takes a right-footed shot but misses.
29
Attempt Attempt
Shot from Dukan Ahmeti with his right foot finds the back of the net.
29
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Dukan Ahmeti scores to make it 2-1, assisted by Emil Frederiksen.
29
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Dukan Ahmeti takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
24
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Dion Drena Beljo scores, making it 1-1.
24
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot! Dion Drena Beljo scores with a header.
19
Attempt Attempt
Dion Drena Beljo takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
16
Attempt Attempt
Josip Misic takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
14
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Hamza Jaganjac scores with a left-footed shot.
14
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Hamza Jaganjac scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Dukan Ahmeti.
13
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Luka Stojkovic receives a yellow card.
12
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
11
Attempt Attempt
Arber Hoxha takes a right-footed shot but misses.
9
Attempt Attempt
Lukas Kacavenda takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
3
Attempt Attempt
Shot - Arber Hoxha Head Shot Missed
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Patrik Pavlesic.

CONCLUSION

The 2-2 draw between Istra 1961 and Dinamo Zagreb delivered a competitive encounter marked by contrasting styles. Istra struck twice in the first half to establish a narrow lead while Dinamo controlled possession without immediate reward. The visitors responded effectively after the interval to secure parity and maintain their unbeaten record in the fixture. Both teams displayed resilience in attack and defense with no disciplinary interruptions affecting the contest. The result underscores the challenges faced by the stronger side when facing organized opposition on the road. Overall the match highlighted tactical adjustments that produced an equitable outcome for both participants.