- HNK Rijeka have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, currently on a four-match winning streak.
- NK Istra 1961 Pula have lost five in a row, failing to pick up a single point in their last five.
- Rijeka have won their two previous HNL 2025/2026 meetings against Istra 1961, including a 2-1 victory seven weeks ago.
Rijeka riding high and in a groove
HNK Rijeka head into Sunday’s Derby della Učka in good form, currently sitting third in the HNL 2025/2026 with 38 points from 25 matches, and Rijeka themselves are only eight clear of sixth-placed Istra 1961.
Rijeka are one of the most consistent sides at the top end of the table, and have won seven, drawn four, and lost only two of their 13 home matches in the HNL 2025/2026. Victor Sanchez has been their coach since September 2025, and has implemented a style which suits his side perfectly; measured, possession-based football, with plenty of structure to their build-up, and selective pressing that can stifle opponents’ creativity.
Our HNK Rijeka vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction is influenced by the fact that Rijeka have conceded just 11 goals in their 13 home games in HNL 2025/2026, an average of just 0.85 per match. Toni Fruk, with nine goals in 24 appearances in the HNL 2025/2026, is their biggest threat, and has scored four of his side’s last nine goals in recent games.
Istra 1961 desperate for a win
Istra 1961 Pula, meanwhile, sit sixth in the HNL 2025/2026, collecting 30 points from their 25 games to date. They trail their hosts by eight points, and are currently enduring a rough patch, losing five straight games.
According to our HNK Rijeka vs NK Istra 1961 Pula preview, Oriol Riera took over as Istra 1961 coach in September 2025, installing a high-tempo, high-energy, front-foot pressing system. The visitors do not have the same defensive solidity as Rijeka, conceding 1.62 goals per away match, but have scored at a good rate, averaging 1.31 per game.
Istra 1961’s away record is not strong. However, they’ve lost three in a row on their travels, failing to win in three. Smail Prevljak is the main threat for the visitors, scoring ten goals in 22 HNL 2025/2026 games, but his team are struggling to create chances. This HNK Rijeka vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips point to the visitors needing a much-improved performance to challenge Rijeka on their home turf.
Rijeka should control the pace
This fixture will be an interesting tactical battle, with control and possession against energy and intensity. Rijeka’s composure should see them counter the intensity which Istra 1961 will bring, and their odds of 1.53 represent the favourites they are for this game.
The HNK Rijeka vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction also notes that Rijeka have won their previous two HNL 2025/2026 meetings against Istra 1961, but have failed to win their previous two at home against them. Istra have lost their five most recent games, and Rijeka have won three straight home games. The odds for Both Teams to Score - No, then, at 1.67, look too generous, and I’m backing a Rijeka shutout.
