NK Publikum Celje and NK Istra 1961 Share Spoils in Pre-Season Friendly

International Club Friendly – July 11, 2026
NK Publikum Celje played out a 1-1 draw with NK Istra 1961 in a pre-season friendly held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 16:30 local time. The match, part of the International Club Friendly calendar, gave both sides valuable minutes ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.

Match Overview

The game at Celje’s Arena Petrol saw an evenly contested 90 minutes, with both teams showing positive attacking intent but failing to find a decisive edge. The 1-1 scoreline reflected a balanced encounter where defensive solidity was matched by occasional flashes of quality in the final third.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – NK Publikum Celje took the lead through a well-worked move. A swift counter-attack down the right flank ended with a low cross that was turned in by striker Aljoša Špoljarić from close range.
• 38th minute – NK Istra 1961 equalised. A free-kick from just outside the box was curled over the wall and past the goalkeeper by midfielder Mario Ćuže, who placed the ball perfectly into the top corner.
• Second half – Both managers made multiple substitutions, disrupting the rhythm. Chances were few, with Celje hitting the crossbar in the 71st minute through a header from a corner, while Istra threatened on the break but lacked composure in the final pass.

Tactical Story

Celje lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to dominate possession and use width. Istra, under new manager Goran Tomić, fielded a compact 4-4-2 and aimed to hit on the counter. The first half was open, but after the interval both sides prioritised fitness work over risk-taking, leading to a more cagey affair. The draw was a fair result, with neither side able to sustain pressure for long periods.

Standout Players

• Aljoša Špoljarić (Celje) – lively up front, took his goal well and linked play effectively.
• Mario Ćuže (Istra) – the creative spark in midfield, his set-piece delivery was a constant threat.
• Nejc Skubic (Celje) – solid at right-back, making key tackles and providing width.

Season Impact

For NK Publikum Celje, this friendly marks part of their preparations for the 2026–27 Slovenian PrvaLiga season, where they aim to improve on last season's mid-table finish. NK Istra 1961, meanwhile, are building towards the Croatian HNL campaign under a new coaching staff. Both managers will be pleased with the fitness levels shown, though finishing remains an area for improvement.