Date: July 5, 2026 | Competition: International Club Friendly | Venue: Stadion Radnik, Velika Gorica

HNK Gorica Fight Back to Beat Zorya 2–1 in Pre‑Season Friendly

Croatian side HNK Gorica continued their pre‑season preparations with a solid 2–1 win over Ukrainian visitors Zorya on July 5, 2026. The match, played at Stadion Radnik, served as a useful test for both teams ahead of their respective domestic league campaigns.

Match Story

Zorya started brightly and took the lead inside the first 15 minutes when a swift passing move split the Gorica defence, allowing the forward to finish calmly. The Ukrainian side looked sharp on the counter, but Gorica gradually found their rhythm. The hosts equalised just after the half‑hour mark through a powerful header from a corner kick. The goal lifted the home side, and they began to dominate possession.

Second Half Decider

Gorica came out with renewed energy after the restart and were rewarded in the 57th minute. A well‑worked move down the right flank ended with a cross that was turned in from close range to make it 2–1. Zorya pushed for an equaliser in the final 20 minutes, but Gorica’s defence held firm, and the Croatian side recorded a confidence‑boosting victory.

What This Means

For HNK Gorica, the friendly offers valuable match fitness and a chance to integrate new signings. Zorya, meanwhile, will be pleased with spells of their performance but will look to tighten up defensively as they complete their pre‑season schedule. Both clubs now turn their attention to the start of the new season in their respective leagues.