HNK Rijeka failed to score in a 0-0 draw against Gorica in the 5th round of the Croatian First Football League. The match played in Velika Gorica yielded no winner, with Rijeka missing an opportunity for crucial points. According to a report by 24sata Sport, the team dominated possession but lacked sharpness in front of goal.
Rijeka remained in fifth place in the standings with seven points. They currently trail league leaders NK Osijek by six points, a gap that can be tracked on our standings page. The next challenge for Kek's men will be a home fixture against Osijek on September 5th.
How did the match unfold?
The first half belonged to Rijeka. The visitors controlled the ball and spent almost the entire period in the opponent's half. Early chances were created. Vignato took a shot, and Fruk sent the ball over the crossbar. However, no goal materialized. In the second half, Rijeka's attack became significantly less dangerous. More fouls were committed, and finishing accuracy dropped.
Gorica organized well in defence and did not allow clear-cut opportunities. The host's best chance came only in the 85th minute. Mijić missed from six meters out, sending his effort over the bar. The match was stopped for three minutes of added time. Puljić received a yellow card, and Kavelj left the pitch due to injury, replaced by Frigan.
What is the current HNL table situation?
The draw earned Gorica their first point of the season, but the club remains in last place. Rijeka stayed in fifth position with this result. In another round five match, Hajduk defeated Lokomotiva 2-0 at Poljud. Poveć scored in the 16th minute and Šotiček in the 55th. Hajduk thus remains in fourth place with ten points, level with Dinamo Zagreb. Osijek and Varaždin are two points ahead of Lokomotiva, who sit sixth with six points.
What's next for Rijeka?
The key upcoming detail for fans is the next fixture. Rijeka will face league leaders NK Osijek at Stadion Rujevica as early as Tuesday, September 5th. This is a direct clash to reduce the points deficit. Rijeka's current league record reads two wins, zero draws, and one loss from three games, with a goal difference of 5:5. A detailed schedule of preparations and matches is available on our fixtures list. Kavelj's injury further complicates selection for this important duel, and the squad's status can be monitored in the injuries section.
How is Rijeka coping with recent activities?
The team entered this match following elimination from European competitions, requiring quick mental recovery. While they showed good control against the league's bottom side, precision in the final third was missing. This was Rijeka's first draw of the season. The focus now shifts to the home arena and a chance for correction. The squad composition and individual player statistics can be analysed through our squad and stats pages. The next step is clearly defined: a victory against Osijek on September 5th.
