Kustošija came from behind to beat NK Dubrava 2-1 in the Croatian First Football League on 23 October 2026, producing a composed second-half display that turned a narrow deficit into a valuable away victory. Dubrava had taken an early lead and looked capable of controlling the contest, but the visitors gradually imposed themselves and found the decisive goal in the closing quarter of the match.

Match overview

The game began with Dubrava pressing high and trying to use the energy of the home crowd. Their early intent was rewarded in the 24th minute when Ivan Perić found space at the edge of the box and guided a finish into the bottom corner. It was a goal that reflected Dubrava’s positive start, with quick ball movement and runners arriving from midfield.

Kustošija responded well, though. Rather than allowing the home side to build further momentum, they slowed the tempo, kept possession more carefully and began to probe the spaces behind Dubrava’s advanced full-backs. The equaliser arrived four minutes before half-time through Marko Jurić, who converted after a neat move down the right. That goal changed the complexion of the match and gave the visitors a platform to build on after the interval.

Key moments

The second half was more controlled than the first, with both teams wary of leaving themselves exposed. Dubrava had spells of pressure but struggled to create clear chances against a Kustošija defence that dropped deeper and defended its penalty area well. The away side, by contrast, looked increasingly dangerous on the break and in set-piece situations.

The winning goal came in the 76th minute. Luka Novak timed his run into the box perfectly and met a low cross with a decisive finish, sparking celebrations on the Kustošija bench. Dubrava pushed for an equaliser in the final stages and delivered several dangerous balls into the area, but Kustošija’s goalkeeper and centre-backs held firm under pressure. The final whistle confirmed a win that was built on patience, compact defending and clinical finishing at the key moment.

Tactical story

Dubrava’s 4-3-3 looked aggressive early on, with the wide forwards pinning Kustošija’s full-backs and the midfield pushing forward to support Perić. As the game wore on, however, that approach left space in behind and allowed Kustošija to counter with greater effect. The visitors adjusted well, narrowing the midfield and forcing Dubrava to play around them rather than through them.

Kustošija’s victory was also a story of game management. After equalising before half-time, they resisted the temptation to chase the game immediately and instead waited for their moments. Novak’s winner was the clearest example: a well-worked transition finished with conviction. For Dubrava, the defeat will sting because the opening goal had given them a strong foundation, but the match underlined the importance of maintaining concentration when the opposition begins to control possession.

Standout performers and table impact

Perić was Dubrava’s most threatening player, combining intelligent movement with a willingness to shoot from distance. Jurić’s equaliser was the turning point for Kustošija, while Novak’s late contribution made him the match-winner. The away side’s goalkeeper also deserved credit for a handful of important saves in the second half.

With the three points, Kustošija strengthen their position in the Croatian First Football League standings and gain confidence from a comeback victory on the road. Dubrava, meanwhile, are left to reflect on a promising start that slipped away. The result adds another tight chapter to the league’s early-season results and keeps Kustošija’s momentum moving in the right direction.