- Vukovar 1991 have won 4, drawn 5 and lost 2 of their 11 home HNL 2025/2026 matches, averaging 1.64 goals scored and 1.36 goals conceded per game.
- HNK Rijeka are currently 3rd in HNL 2025/2026 on 35 points from 24 games, while Vukovar are 10th on 20 points from 24 matches.
- HNK Rijeka have won 2, drawn 4 and lost 5 of their 11 away games in HNL 2025/2026, scoring 12 goals.
Revised Refs & Refs on a fast, open, end-to-end game
Our Vukovar 1991 vs HNK Rijeka prediction highlights that Vukovar 1991’s record against Rijeka in HNL 2025/2026 is tied after two meetings, but Rijeka were 3-1 winners at home two months ago. Rijeka are without a win in their last away game vs Vukovar, who are unbeaten in their last two (W1, D1) and Rijeka have split their last two away games (W1, L1).
HNK Rijeka are in better form than their opponents (W4, L1) and arrive here after securing three consecutive wins. Victor Sanchez’s high-press, fast-paced, ball-dominant system has turned Rijeka’s fortunes around since he took charge in September 2025. Vukovar have been more mixed (W1, D2, L2) and come into this fixture after recording a 0-0 away draw to HNK Gorica, a 2-2 home draw with Slaven and a 2-0 away defeat to Osijek.
A fixture with meaning for the hosts
This Vukovar 1991 vs HNK Rijeka preview underlines the fixture’s special significance for Vukovar as their first ever HNL win came against Rijeka, and they are a resilient side who won’t make it easy for the visitors. Silvijo Cabraja’s pragmatic side have been compact, selective in their press and patient enough to allow their direct attackers to break forward or counter at speed since his appointment in September 2025.
Jakov Puljic is the talisman of this Vukovar side, having scored 10 goals in 18 HNL 2025/2026 matches and netting 50% of Vukovar’s last 6 goals. His clinical finishing will be key to this game as Vukovar lack creativity and presence in the box. Rijeka will need the attacking creativity of their midfielders and their wide men to help Fruk unlock the low block.
Back Rijeka to grind out an away win
The Vukovar 1991 vs HNK Rijeka prediction sees the odds on the game’s big favorites, Rijeka, as favourable enough (1.88) for me to side with them to edge this one, although there is enough about Vukovar’s recent home form to suggest they won’t go down without a fight. Rijeka’s high-tempo, attacking style of play should see them come out on top, but I will add BTTS - Yes to my main selection at the same price (1.76) because Vukovar can be dangerous on counterattack.
This Vukovar 1991 vs HNK Rijeka betting tips section notes the visitors' European ambitions mean that they are a far better side than Vukovar, who will need all the points they can get to drag themselves away from the relegation zone. I will back over 2.5 goals in the game as both sides will push for the win and look to take advantage of any spaces left by the other.
