NK Sesvete kicked off their 2026 pre-season campaign in style, defeating city rivals NK Dubrava 2-0 in an International Club Friendly on August 8, 2026. The match, played at 15:30 local time, gave both Zagreb-based clubs a valuable chance to test their squads ahead of the new competitive season.

Match Overview

The friendly Derby of Zagreb's eastern suburbs saw Sesvete dominate for long spells. Two well-taken goals were enough to separate the sides, with the home team maintaining a clean sheet in a disciplined team performance. For Dubrava, the match served as an important fitness exercise and an opportunity to work on defensive organization against a lively Sesvete attack.

How The Game Unfolded

Sesvete started brightly and took the lead in the opening period. Their attacking width caused problems for the Dubrava backline, and a clinical finish inside the box gave the home side a deserved advantage. The second goal arrived before the interval, as Sesvete doubled their lead following a well-worked move that carved open the Dubrava defence.

Dubrava improved after the break, pressing higher and enjoying more possession. They created a couple of half-chances but failed to convert against a resolute Sesvete defence. The home team managed the game professionally in the second half, controlling the tempo and preserving their two-goal cushion.

Friendly Context & Next Steps

Pre-season friendlies like this are essential for clubs at this level, allowing coaching staff to rotate squads, experiment with formations, and build match sharpness. For NK Sesvete, the victory builds early confidence, while NK Dubrava will take positives from their second-half response. Both clubs will continue their preparations with further fixtures before their respective league campaigns get underway.