Vukovar vs NK Varazdin - HNL

The HNL returns to the home ground on May 15, 2026, where Vukovar and NK Varazdin will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Real have been keen to sign the Spain captain from Manchester City, but they now face competition from Barcelona for the 30-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad.

There is plenty riding on this HNL encounter for Vukovar and NK Varazdin alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. NK Varazdin have travelled reasonably well, DDWLW over their last five with a season win rate of 57.14%. The fact that Oxford ultimately fell five points short of the total needed to stay in the Championship shows that it would have required top-half - almost play-off - form during the second half of the season.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Vukovar will look to impose their style on home soil, while NK Varazdin are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Every word from Enzo Maresca's press conference including Man City team news and Manchester derby admission.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The one thing I've noticed about Tottenham over the last few years is they never had a dominant midfielder.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.