NK Opatija claimed a 2-1 home victory over Karlovac in the Croatian First Football League on February 20, 2026. The win at the Stadion Kantrida was a hard-fought one for Opatija, who needed a late goal to secure all three points in a closely contested derby-style clash. Karlovac took a surprise lead against the run of play in the first half, but Opatija equalized just before the interval from a corner. The second half was an end-to-end affair, with the winner coming in the 80th minute from a defensive error that Opatija's striker pounced upon. The focus point was the intensity of the rivalry, with the match featuring several robust challenges and a high tempo throughout. The three points were vital for Opatija's league standing, moving them closer to the top of the table, while Karlovac's poor away form continued. The Opatija coach praised his team's perseverance, and the Karlovac manager was left to rue a costly mistake.