Istra 1961
€12.60m
Slaven Belupo
€9.02m
Preview
Welcome to NerdyTips, where we break down the numbers and stories behind every match! In this Istra 1961 vs Slaven Belupo prediction, we’ll dig into recent form, tactics, key stats, and betting tips to help you make sense of this HNL fixture on November 29, 2025. Whether you’re here for the numbers or just want to know who’s likely to come out on top, you’re in the right place.
The upcoming match at Stadion Aldo Drosina in Pula promises to be more than just another date on the HNL calendar. Slaven Belupo comes in holding third place, while Istra 1961 sits fifth—both teams eager to cement their positions as the winter break approaches. The head to head history between these two is as tight as a drum: 19 wins for Istra, 22 for Slaven Belupo, and a whopping 27 draws from 68 meetings. Their last encounter ended 2-1 for Slaven Belupo, showing they know how to get a result on the road.
Istra 1961 have been under new management since September, with Oriol Riera taking the reins and bringing a clear structure to the team. Their recent results suggest a side that’s not afraid to take risks at home, especially after that morale-boosting win over Dinamo Zagreb. Youngster Raul Kumar made his senior debut last week, and with national team call-ups for Ville Koski and Logi Robertsson, there’s a sense of momentum in the squad. Injuries? None reported for key players—good news for Istra fans.
Slaven Belupo, managed by Mario Gregurina, are sticking to their tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation. They’ve been consistent and tough to beat, especially away from home, and have not lost to Istra in their last two away league fixtures. Josip Mitrović remains sidelined, but otherwise, the squad looks settled. The team’s offensive output has been impressive, but their defense sometimes leaves the back door open—a potential concern in a tight contest.
Now, let’s talk numbers—and not just the ones on the back of the shirts. The bookmakers have set the odds as follows:
Our Istra 1961 vs Slaven Belupo prediction model suggests this will be a closely-fought affair, but with a slight edge for the visitors. Here’s what the stats and our AI are telling us:
The stats suggest a balanced game, but Slaven Belupo’s recent knack for grinding out results could tip the scales. Istra 1961’s squad value may be higher (€12.60m vs. €9.02m), but on the pitch, Belupo’s form and tactical discipline have been the difference in recent weeks.
If you’re looking for betting tips, the under 3.5 goals market looks like the safest play, given both teams’ defensive records and the historical trend. For those feeling brave, the away win at 3.3 offers solid value, especially with Belupo’s unbeaten streak and psychological edge from their last head to head win.
In summary, our Istra 1961 vs Slaven Belupo prediction leans towards a narrow away victory in a game where chances will be at a premium. Expect a tactical chess match, a few yellow cards, and maybe a late twist or two—after all, this is the HNL, where anything can happen and often does. Good luck with your bets, and may your corners be plentiful!
Welcome to NerdyTips, where we break down the numbers and stories behind every match! In this Istra 1961 vs Slaven Belupo prediction, we’ll dig into recent form, tactics, key stats, and betting tips to help you make sense of this HNL fixture on November 29, 2025. Whether you’re here for the numbers or just want to know who’s likely to come out on top, you’re in the right place.
The upcoming match at Stadion Aldo Drosina in Pula promises to be more than just another date on the HNL calendar. Slaven Belupo comes in holding third place, while Istra 1961 sits fifth—both teams eager to cement their positions as the winter break approaches. The head to head history between these two is as tight as a drum: 19 wins for Istra, 22 for Slaven Belupo, and a whopping 27 draws from 68 meetings. Their last encounter ended 2-1 for Slaven Belupo, showing they know how to get a result on the road.
Istra 1961 have been under new management since September, with Oriol Riera taking the reins and bringing a clear structure to the team. Their recent results suggest a side that’s not afraid to take risks at home, especially after that morale-boosting win over Dinamo Zagreb. Youngster Raul Kumar made his senior debut last week, and with national team call-ups for Ville Koski and Logi Robertsson, there’s a sense of momentum in the squad. Injuries? None reported for key players—good news for Istra fans.
Slaven Belupo, managed by Mario Gregurina, are sticking to their tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation. They’ve been consistent and tough to beat, especially away from home, and have not lost to Istra in their last two away league fixtures. Josip Mitrović remains sidelined, but otherwise, the squad looks settled. The team’s offensive output has been impressive, but their defense sometimes leaves the back door open—a potential concern in a tight contest.
Now, let’s talk numbers—and not just the ones on the back of the shirts. The bookmakers have set the odds as follows:
Our Istra 1961 vs Slaven Belupo prediction model suggests this will be a closely-fought affair, but with a slight edge for the visitors. Here’s what the stats and our AI are telling us:
The stats suggest a balanced game, but Slaven Belupo’s recent knack for grinding out results could tip the scales. Istra 1961’s squad value may be higher (€12.60m vs. €9.02m), but on the pitch, Belupo’s form and tactical discipline have been the difference in recent weeks.
If you’re looking for betting tips, the under 3.5 goals market looks like the safest play, given both teams’ defensive records and the historical trend. For those feeling brave, the away win at 3.3 offers solid value, especially with Belupo’s unbeaten streak and psychological edge from their last head to head win.
In summary, our Istra 1961 vs Slaven Belupo prediction leans towards a narrow away victory in a game where chances will be at a premium. Expect a tactical chess match, a few yellow cards, and maybe a late twist or two—after all, this is the HNL, where anything can happen and often does. Good luck with your bets, and may your corners be plentiful!
Read More
Read Less
U3.5 -370
No more than 3 goals will be scored in the match with odds of -3702 230
Slaven Belupo is expected to win with odds of 210Under 3.5 -370
No more than 3 goals will be scored in the matchYes -122
Both teams are expected to scoreX2&U4.5 -115
Away win/draw and under 4.5 goals
0:1
1:2
|
9
-
16
-
12
|
|
Slaven Belupo |
12-Sep-25
2:1
| Istra 1961 ![]() |
Istra 1961 |
28-Apr-25
1:1
| Slaven Belupo ![]() |
Slaven Belupo |
23-Feb-25
0:0
| Istra 1961 ![]() |
Istra 1961 |
22-Nov-24
2:3
| Slaven Belupo ![]() |
Slaven Belupo |
31-Aug-24
0:1
| Istra 1961 ![]() |
Istra 1961 |
26-Apr-24
3:0
| Slaven Belupo ![]() |
Slaven Belupo |
16-Feb-24
1:1
| Istra 1961 ![]() |
Istra 1961 |
05-Nov-23
2:0
| Slaven Belupo ![]() |
| 19 Dec |
NK Varazdin.
|
-
| Istra 1961.
| |
| 07 Dec | W |
Osijek.
|
1:5
| Istra 1961.
|
| 29 Nov | D |
Istra 1961.
|
1:1
| Slaven Belup.
|
| 23 Nov | L |
Gorica.
|
1:0
| Istra 1961.
|
| 09 Nov | W |
Istra 1961.
|
2:1
| Dinamo Z.
|
| 05 Nov | L |
Kurilovec.
|
2:1
| Istra 1961.
|
| 01 Nov | D |
Istra 1961.
|
1:1
| Vukovar 1991.
|
| 25 Oct | W |
Lokomotiv.
|
1:2
| Istra 1961.
|
| 19 Oct | L |
Istra 1961.
|
0:3
| Hajduk Split.
|
| 03 Oct | W |
Istra 1961.
|
1:0
| NK Varazdin.
|
| 20 Dec | Osijek. |
- |
Slaven Belup.![]() | |
| 14 Dec | L | Slaven Belup. |
2:5 |
Din. Zagreb.![]() |
| 05 Dec | W | Slaven Belup. |
2:1 |
Gorica.![]() |
| 29 Nov | D | Istra 1961. |
1:1 |
Slaven Belup.![]() |
| 21 Nov | W | Slaven Belup. |
4:1 |
Vukovar 1991.![]() |
| 08 Nov | D | Lok. Zagreb. |
1:1 |
Slaven Belup.![]() |
| 02 Nov | D | Slaven Belup. |
0:0 |
Hajduk Split.![]() |
| 29 Oct | W | Bijelo Brdo. |
0:3 |
Slaven Belup.![]() |
| 25 Oct | W | NK Varazdin. |
1:3 |
Slaven Belup.![]() |
| 18 Oct | D | Slaven Belup. |
1:1 |
Rijeka.![]() |
Croatia - HNL| Team | Matches | Goals | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Dinamo Zagreb | 17 | 36-16 | 35 |
| 2 |
HNK Hajduk Spl | 17 | 27-16 | 34 |
| 3 |
NK Slaven Belu | 17 | 26-28 | 25 |
| 4 |
Istra 1961 | 16 | 20-20 | 23 |
| 5 |
NK Varazdin | 17 | 21-22 | 23 |
| 6 |
HNK Rijeka | 16 | 26-19 | 21 |
| 7 |
HNK Gorica | 17 | 21-26 | 19 |
| 8 |
NK Lokomotiva | 17 | 20-28 | 19 |
| 9 |
Vukovar | 17 | 18-30 | 15 |
| 10 |
NK Osijek | 17 | 16-26 | 13 |