Maribor 3–0 NK Brezice — 15 July 2026, International Club Friendly

Slovenian giants NK Maribor began their 2026–27 pre-season preparations in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside lower‑division neighbours NK Brezice with a dominant 3‑0 victory at the Ljudski vrt. The match, played under floodlights on 15 July, allowed manager Damir Krznar to evaluate his squad ahead of the new PrvaLiga campaign and potential European commitments.

First‑half control sets the tone

Maribor imposed themselves from the opening whistle, pressing high and forcing Brezice into early errors. The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when winger Ivan Brnić cut inside from the left and curled a precise effort beyond the reach of the visiting goalkeeper. Maribor doubled their lead just before half‑time, as striker Benjamin Verbič — back at the club on loan — tapped in from close range after a well‑worked corner routine.

Second‑half polish and clean sheet

The hosts continued to dominate after the interval. A third goal came in the 67th minute, substitute Pijus Širvys slotting home after patient build‑up play through midfield. Defensively, Maribor were rarely troubled; the back four, marshalled by captain Denis Klinar, kept Brezice to speculative long‑range shots. The clean sheet will please Krznar as he integrates new signings and rotates his squad.

What this friendly means

• Sharpness for European qualifiers – Maribor are likely to face UEFA Conference League ties in late July, so this run‑out builds match fitness.
• Depth assessment – Krznar gave minutes to fringe players, including young midfielder Marko Kolar, who impressed in the second half.
• Local rivalry flavour – Though a friendly, the encounter carried extra spice given the clubs’ regional proximity; Maribor’s superiority was clear.

NK Brezice, currently competing in the Slovenian Second League, will take lessons from the fixture as they prepare for their own league campaign. For Maribor, the 3‑0 scoreline represents an ideal start to pre‑season, with the attack clicking and the defence resolute.