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Varazdin vs Jablonec: prediction and odds

Europe Conference League · Europe · 23 July 2026
Varazdin logoVarazdin
3:2
1st half: 1:1
23.07.2026 19:00
Jablonec logoJablonec

Match events

Aleksa Latkovic🟨
5′
Luka Skaricic🟨
15′
Iuri Tavares1:0
24′
27′
1:1Martin Sedidla
56′
1:2Nemanja Tekijaski
Ivan Mamut2:2
68′
79′
🟨Vakhtang Chanturishvili
Luka Jagacic3:2
82′
Josip Silic🟨
90′
Ivan Mamut🟨
90′

Match statistics: Varazdin vs Jablonec

VarazdinJablonec
55Ball possession, %45
11Shots14
5Shots on target5
1Corners4
12Fouls16
2Offsides2
4Yellow cards1
0Red cards0
115Attacks96
40Dangerous attacks39

💡 Match preview Varazdin vs Jablonec

The dark days for Varaždin are firmly behind them. The Croatian club has secured a spot in European qualifying for the second consecutive season, and this time they appear ready to conquer the first round. Standing in their way is Czech side Jablonec, a team that has not graced the continental stage in six years. Can the visitors remind Europe of their presence?

Tactical Analysis of Varaždin

The resurgence of the Croatian outfit is no fluke. After their revival, Varaždin earned back-to-back European qualification by securing a bronze medal in the Croatian top flight. The summer transfer window saw a few departures, but only the exit of defender Antonio Borić (30 appearances in the 2025/26 season) can be considered a significant loss. Notably, that position remains unfilled, as the club’s incoming transfers have focused on attacking players and full-backs. The team continues under the pragmatic stewardship of head coach Nikola Šafarić, who maintains a defensive-minded model that prioritizes solidity at the back. Varaždin’s pre-season preparations included a series of friendlies against varying levels of opposition. They suffered a narrow defeat to Zagreb’s Lokomotiva (1:2) before rattling off six consecutive victories, impressive wins over strong opponents like Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia (1:0) and Slovenian club Radomlje (1:0) among them.

Varaždin first dipped their toes into European competition in the 2025/26 season after a ten-year hiatus. Their attempt to reach the UEFA Conference League group stage fell short. Starting in the second qualifying round, they fought valiantly but ultimately lost to Portuguese side Santa Clara (2:1, 0:2). The club has never advanced to a European group stage, but the fresh international experience from last year should provide the confidence and composure needed to navigate these tricky qualifiers.

Tactical Analysis of Jablonec

The Czech side earned their European ticket by finishing fifth in the league in the 2025/26 season. Their summer transfer strategy focused on squad optimization and retaining key players, avoiding any extravagant spending. The team is managed by the experienced Luboš Kozel, who adheres to the traditional Czech league style: a physical, organized approach with rapid transitions from defense to attack. Jablonec’s pre-season was packed with friendly matches. They managed a crushing victory over a strong Mladá Boleslav side (5:0), but that was the highlight. In their other matches, despite fielding a stable core, the "Black and Whites" lost to the modest Austrian side Liefering (1:3) and failed to overcome Cypriot club Pafos (0:0) and local side Ústí nad Labem (1:1).

Jablonec boasts a rich history in European competitions, but that history feels like a distant memory. The club last reached a group stage in the 2021/22 season and has not appeared on the European stage since. This long absence presents a significant obstacle, as virtually none of the current Jablonec squad have any experience in continental tournaments.

Predicted Lineups

Varaždin (4-3-3): Zelenika; Mamić, Rodin, Škaričić, Đira; Matić, Domjanić, Kolobarić; Drožđek, Mišić, Hrkać.

Jablonec (4-2-3-1): Hanuš; Čonka, Štěpánek, Tekijaški, Ndefe; Kratochvíl, Alégué; Chanturia, Puškáč, Schánělec; Václavek.

Referee

The match will be officiated by an Italian refereeing crew led by Matteo Marchetti. His statistics from the previous season reflect a moderately strict officiating style. On average, Marchetti brandished 3.88 yellow cards per game, recorded 26.08 fouls per match, and sent off a player or awarded a penalty in roughly every fourth fixture.

Prediction and Bet

Match Prediction: Varaždin to Win @ 2.98

The Croatian side Varaždin have stormed through their pre-season preparations and will look to impose themselves on home turf. They face a Czech opponent who has been absent from European football for an extended period and may struggle to adapt to the international tempo. Jablonec, after their long hiatus, are forced to play an away tie under a cloud of uncertainty. In contrast, the hosts, riding the wave of momentum from a successful previous season, are fully capable of maximizing the advantage of their home stadium. Our selection is a victory for Varaždin at odds of 2.98. We assess the probability of a home win at 35% (any odds above 2.75 are considered playable).

Total Goals Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.70

The average number of goals scored in Varaždin’s domestic league matches last season was 2.58, and during their summer friendlies, the team showcased careful defensive work. The Czech side Jablonec averaged 1.31 goals scored and 1.37 conceded per league game last season, while only four of their seven pre-season friendlies featured over 2.5 goals. Given the typically cautious nature of the first legs in European qualifiers, coupled with the visitors' prolonged absence from the international stage, a high-scoring affair is unlikely. We recommend considering a bet on under 2.5 total goals at odds of 1.70. We assess the probability of this outcome at 61% (any odds above 1.64 are considered playable).

Match odds Varazdin vs Jablonec

Result (1X2)

X3.3212.9722.32

Double chance

1X1.58X21.37121.31

Both teams to score

No2.06Yes1.66

Over

11.0221.3932.4244.950.511.51.232.51.863.52.984.55.75

Under

18.122.6731.4741.110.59.51.53.452.51.893.51.34.51.08

Handicap 1

02.1211.2221.01-15.051.51.142.51-1.56

Handicap 2

01.6711.1-13.54-28.61.51.07-1.54.35-2.59.3

Correct score

0:09.30:18.10:211.750:3231:09.41:15.851:28.71:318.251:4462:015.52:110.252:212.752:3273:0353:1253:231

Predictions for Varazdin vs Jablonec

KA Kingsley Adewale Result: 1odds 2.71 Won

I'm backing Varaždin to win this match against Jablonec. The home side has shown strong form recently, and their attacking play should be too much for the visitors to handle. Jablonec has struggled on the road, and I expect Varaždin to capitalize on that weakness. This is a confident pick for me.

AO Amara Ogunleye Team 1 over 1.5odds 2.45 Won

I'm confident Vartex will win this match, with a 64% probability. The draw is a secondary possibility at 33%, while Jablonec's chances are minimal. I also expect both teams to score—75% likelihood—and the total goals to exceed 2.5, though that's a tighter call at 53%. My analysis earns a four-star confidence rating.

II Ifeoma Ibe Result: 1odds 2.74 Won

I searched extensively for a good forecaster, trying over a dozen tipsters before I finally found someone sharp. I've been working with him for a month now, and we've taken 18 exact score bets — every single one came through perfectly.

CA Chukwuma Adamu Under 2.5odds 1.84 Lost

I'm expecting a low-scoring affair in this match, so I'm betting under on total goals. Both teams prioritize defensive solidity and often lack firepower in attack, which should keep the scoreline tight. There's little reason to anticipate a flurry of goals given their recent form and head-to-head history.

SA Segun Ademola Both teams to score — Noodds 2.02 Lost

I predict both teams will focus heavily on their defensive game. Their recent performances show a clear priority on protecting their own zone, which should lead to a low-scoring, tightly contested match. I'm confident this defensive mindset will be the defining factor.

EO Esther Olaniyan Result: 1odds 2.74 Won

I'm betting on the home team to win this match. The home advantage is too strong to ignore, and I see clear value in backing them to get the job done.

CL Chiamaka Lamido Result: 1odds 2.74 Won

I'm backing Varazdin to win at home against Jablonec. This is my confident pick—home advantage and form point to a clear victory.

RB Ronke Bankole Result: 1odds 2.74 Won

I’m backing Varazdin to win this match. The hosts are riding a strong winning streak, and their momentum gives them a clear edge over Jablonec. Playing at home only adds to their advantage, making this a straightforward call for me.

CM Comfort Musa Result: 1odds 2.77 Won

Croatia consistently delivers strong performances at home, even against top-tier opponents. I'm confident they'll raise their game and avoid being overwhelmed.

AO Abubakar Olawale Result: 1odds 2.98 Won

Looking at the summer games, I'm confident that home teams play better. The pattern is clear and consistent—hosts have a real edge.

VE Victoria Ekwueme Over 2.5odds 1.91 Won

Varazdin finished last season in 3rd place in the Croatian league, securing European football for the second year in a row. We kept our head coach and stuck with our reliable game model. After a strong run of friendly matches in the summer, we’re in great shape heading into the new season. Jablonec, on the other hand, placed 5th in the Czech league and returned to the international stage after a break. They didn’t make any major changes, betting on keeping their core squad together, and they’re gradually finding their form after summer preparations. Both teams have European experience, but we’re both looking to take the next step. This match will be a real test of how ready we are for the qualification battle.

KI Kemi Ibe Result: 1odds 2.98 Won

I’m backing the home side here. This match is evenly matched on paper, but the home advantage and their recent attacking patterns give them a clear edge. I expect they’ll push hard from the start and find a way to win.

PO Patience Ogundipe Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.69 Won

I predict both teams will score in this match. The attacking strength on both sides is too dangerous to ignore, and defensive weaknesses will create clear chances. Goals are coming from both ends—bank on it.

FN Femi Nnaji Under 2.5odds 1.85 Lost

I'm confident that fewer than three goals will be scored in today's tournament match. The reasoning is straightforward: both teams have shown strong defensive organization in recent games, and key attacking players are either injured or out of form. Additionally, the stakes are high, which often leads to cautious play rather than open, high-scoring football.

DY Dele Yusuf Handicap 1 (0)odds 2.12 Won

I am confident that Varaždin had a fairly solid preseason preparation. Their performances and overall readiness give me a positive outlook for the start of the season.

VA Victoria Adewale Result: 1odds 2.98 Won

I'm confident the hosts have a real chance to win here. Their strengths line up well against the opponent, and I see solid opportunities for them to pull off the victory.

CY Chioma Yusuf Result: 1odds 2.96 Won

Betting on a win if they capitalize on their chances. They're creating enough opportunities, so it's a matter of finishing, and I'm confident they will.

JA Joseph Amadi Over 2.5odds 1.87 Won

I’m confident this match will see goals from both sides. The teams’ attacking styles and recent form point to an open, high-scoring encounter rather than a tight defensive battle.

NO Nneka Obiora Result: 1odds 2.97 Won

I’m confident the home team will win this match. They have a strong record and consistently find the back of the net, so I expect them to score and secure the victory.

DA Deborah Afolabi Result: 2odds 2.32 Lost

I’m backing Apple Club to take this match. Their superior class and experience will be the deciding factors.

SO Sani Ogunleye Over 2.5odds 1.86 Won

I'm confident we’ll see plenty of goals from both sides in this match. The away team always plays openly and pushes forward in attack, which forces the opposition to open up as well. That aggressive style practically guarantees scoring chances at both ends, so I expect a high-scoring game with goals from each team.

Match poster

Varazdin vs Jablonec — odds

❓ Frequently asked questions

When and where is the Varazdin vs Jablonec match?

The match takes place on 23 July 2026 at 18:00 CET. Varazdin will host Jablonec at their home stadium in Croatia.

What is the main prediction for this match?

The preview recommends a bet on Varazdin to win at odds of 2.98, with a 35% probability assessment. Additionally, a bet on under 2.5 total goals is suggested at 1.70, given the likely cautious nature of the first leg and the teams' defensive tendencies.

How have the teams performed in pre-season?

Varazdin had a strong pre-season, winning six consecutive friendlies after an initial narrow defeat, including victories over CSKA Sofia and Radomlje. Jablonec, however, showed mixed results: a 5-0 win over Mlada Boleslav but losses to Liefering and draws against Pafos and Ústí nad Labem.

Are there any key player absences for either side?

Varazdin lost defender Antonio Borić (30 appearances last season) in the summer transfer window and have not directly replaced him. Jablonec have no reported significant departures or injuries.

Who is the referee and what is his style?

The match will be officiated by Italian referee Matteo Marchetti. Last season, he averaged 3.88 yellow cards and 26.08 fouls per game, with a red card or penalty awarded roughly every fourth match.