Santa Clara's victory over NK Varazdin in the UEFA Conference League Qualification was markedly influenced by their aggressive start and efficient use of set-pieces. The home team established an early lead with a goal in the fifth minute, setting the tone for the match. This early strike forced Varazdin into a reactive mode, struggling to regain composure against Santa Clara's relentless pressure. The Portuguese side capitalized on this momentum by maintaining offensive pressure and dominating from set pieces, evident in their substantial tally of 11 corner kicks compared to Varazdin’s 3.

Defensively, Santa Clara managed to contain Varazdin effectively, limiting their opportunities and suppressing potential counterattacks. With only five fouls committed, the home side maintained discipline, which was in stark contrast to Varazdin's higher foul count of seven and a disruptive tally of four yellow cards. Santa Clara's defense stood firm, aided by key interceptions and timely clearances, ensuring their clean sheet remained intact. Their tactical awareness and tight defensive structure enabled them to navigate the match without any red cards, keeping all eleven players on the pitch throughout.

The second half saw an extension of Santa Clara's dominance when they scored a decisive second goal, effectively quashing hopes of a Varazdin comeback. However, it wasn't just the goals that highlighted their superiority; their overall teamwork and ability to control the midfield allowed them to dictate much of the game's tempo. Despite their efforts, Varazdin's performance was marred by disciplinary issues, as shown by their accumulation of three more yellow cards in the second half. Santa Clara's well-coordinated play and minimal fouls were instrumental in their securing of a 2-0 victory, showcasing a balance between aggressive offense and disciplined defense.

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