NK Brinje Grosuplje secured a vital 2-1 victory over NK Nafta in the Slovenia 2.Liga on May 18, 2026, at their home ground. The result keeps Grosuplje’s promotion hopes firmly alive, while Nafta remains in mid-table after a spirited but ultimately fruitless display.

Match Overview

In a tightly contested encounter, the home side struck twice in the first half to build a commanding lead before Nafta pulled one back just after the hour mark. Grosuplje then defended resolutely to hold on for three crucial points. The win moves them into third place in the Slovenia 2.Liga standings, just two points behind the automatic promotion spots.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Goal for Brinje Grosuplje: A well-worked corner routine saw central defender Miha Kovačevič rise highest to head home from close range.
• 38th minute – Second goal: Quick counter-attacking football sliced open the Nafta defence; winger Luka Plesec slotted a low shot into the far corner after a one-two with striker Alen Krajnc.
• 65th minute – Nafta respond: A long-range effort from Nejc Podlesnik took a deflection off a Grosuplje defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and reducing the deficit to 2-1.
• 80th minute – Crucial save: Grosuplje’s goalkeeper Matej Radan produced a fine one-handed stop to deny Nafta substitute Matic Murko from close range, preserving the lead.

Tactical Story

Grosuplje manager Marko Vardjan set up his side in a compact 4‑2‑3‑1, looking to hit Nafta on the break. The strategy paid off handsomely in the first half as the visitors struggled to contain the pace of the wide players. After the break, Nafta switched to a more aggressive 3‑5‑2 formation, which created numerical superiority in midfield but left gaps that Grosuplje failed to exploit. Nafta’s goal came from a spell of sustained pressure, but Grosuplje’s disciplined defending in the final 25 minutes earned them a gritty win.

Standout Performers

• Luka Plesec (Brinje Grosuplje): A constant threat on the left wing; his goal and ability to hold up the ball were instrumental in relieving pressure.
• Miha Kovačevič (Brinje Grosuplje): Dominant in the air both defensively and offensively, capped off with the opening goal.
• Nejc Podlesnik (Nafta): The most creative player for the visitors, his goal and driving runs tested Grosuplje all night.

Impact on the Slovenia 2.Liga Table

With this victory, NK Brinje Grosuplje leapfrogged NK Beltinci into third place, now on 48 points from 28 games. NK Nafta stays ninth with 35 points, but the result leaves them seven points clear of the relegation playoff zone. The race for promotion remains wide open, with Grosuplje set to face NK Dob next weekend in a crucial top‑of‑the‑table clash.