Mladenovski struck at Maksimir, but Dinamo prevail 3–1
Mladenovski scored in the 28th minute to give Varaždin a halftime lead at Maksimir, but Dinamo replied with three second-half goals to win 3:1.
On August 22, 2026, at Maksimir Stadium, Mario Mladenovski gave Varaždin a shock lead against Dinamo Zagreb when he scored in the 28th minute, but the Croatian champions recovered to win 3:1.
The goal by Mladenovski was the defender's second of the HNL season and put Varaždin ahead 0:1 at halftime. For a period it looked as if the visitors might hold on for an upset.
Dinamo's reaction decided the match
After the break Dinamo Zagreb displayed the quality expected from the titleholders and produced three goals to turn the game around and secure a convincing 3:1 victory over Varaždin.
Mladenovski's early strike briefly silenced Maksimir and highlighted the Macedonian international's attacking contribution from the back, but it was not enough to stop the stronger side from taking the three points.
The result leaves Dinamo with a clear win at home while Varaždin can take encouragement from the fact that their defender has already found the net twice this season in Croatia's top flight.
Photo: press material from the event
