Macva Sabac 2–1 Novi Pazar
International Club Friendly | 2 July 2026, 00:30 local time

Macva Sabac kicked off their pre-season preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Serbian SuperLiga rivals Novi Pazar in a lively friendly at their home ground. The match served as an important early test for both sides ahead of the new domestic campaign, with Macva’s youthful energy ultimately edging out Novi Pazar’s experience.

Match Overview

The opening half was a tight, tactical affair. Novi Pazar controlled possession through midfield but struggled to break down a compact Macva defense. The deadlock was broken just before the interval when Macva’s striker latched onto a through ball and slotted home from a tight angle. The home side doubled their lead early in the second half with a well-worked set-piece routine that caught Novi Pazar’s backline napping.

Key Moments

• 42' – Macva opener: A quick counter-attack culminated in a clinical finish, giving the hosts a deserved lead.
• 56' – Macva second goal: A corner kick was flicked on at the near post, and the ball ended up in the net after a scramble.
• 78' – Novi Pazar consolation: A long-range strike that took a deflection wrong-footed the Macva goalkeeper, setting up a tense final 12 minutes.

Tactical Story

Macva Sabac adopted a direct, high-pressing approach, forcing Novi Pazar into errors in dangerous areas. Novi Pazar, meanwhile, aimed to build patiently from the back but lacked incision in the final third. The introduction of fresh legs from the bench in the second half didn't alter the game's rhythm, and Macva’s defensive organization held firm despite late pressure.

Standout Players

• Macva’s No. 9: Always a threat in the box, he scored the crucial first goal and won several aerial duels.
• Novi Pazar’s midfielder: Dictated tempo in the middle third and provided the assist for the consolation goal, but lacked support upfront.

Friendly Context

Both managers used a large squad rotation, giving minutes to fringe players. For Macva Sabac, this win builds momentum ahead of their SuperLiga opener, while Novi Pazar will look to sharpen their attack in forthcoming friendlies. The result underlines the value of early-season match sharpness over pure tactical refinement.