HNK Rijeka secured a 3:2 victory over Istra 1961 in a tense HNL match. The win at Stadion Rujevica in front of 5,371 spectators earned Rijeka three points, moving them up to 5th place in the league with six points from three games.
The match was reported by Jutarnji.hr. Rijeka built a 3:0 lead before Istra mounted a late comeback to create a nervous finish. The opening goal was an 18th-minute own goal by Istra defender Anas Nasraoui. Marin Puljić extended the lead in the 43rd minute, and Toni Fruk added a third in the 53rd minute for a commanding 3:0 advantage. Istra replied with goals from Mateo Jaganjac in the 71st minute and Noah Frederiksen in the third minute of stoppage time.
How did Rijeka build their lead?
Rijeka dominated possession and created more chances. They had seven shots in the first half, four on target. Istra managed only two attempts, both off target. A key moment came in the 40th minute when referee Igor Pajač awarded a free-kick for a handball by Marko Kadušić just outside the box. After a VAR review, the decision was changed to a penalty. Marin Puljić took the spot-kick, goalkeeper Ivan Kolić saved it, but Puljić was quickest to the rebound to score for 2:0. In the 49th minute, Rijeka appealed for another penalty for an alleged handball by Istra's Kumar, but it was not given.
Why was the finish so tense?
After Fruk's goal, Rijeka had a chance for a fourth. In the 68th minute, Josip Janković missed a good opportunity from an Alen Gojak cross. A minute later, an error by the same player led to a counter-attack and Mateo Jaganjac's goal for 3:1. Istra then pressed. In the 81st minute, a free-kick by Ante Rozić hit the wall and then the crossbar. In stoppage time, Jaganjac missed another excellent chance, but Noah Frederiksen did pull one back to make it 3:2 in the 93rd minute, leading to a nervy finale. The referee had announced at least three minutes of added time.
What is Kek's record against Istra?
Coach Matjaž Kek has an excellent record against Istra 1961. Since 2013, in 25 matches, his teams have recorded 18 wins, four draws, and only two losses. His first defeat came with Rijeka on May 10, 2013, by a 1:0 scoreline. Istra's second win over a Kek-led Rijeka was on October 14, 2017. Two matches between these rivals have ended 3:3, including one on August 26, 2018, when Heber scored a hat-trick for Rijeka. However, in their last three away visits to Rujevica, Istra had recorded two wins and a draw without conceding a goal. Last season in the Cup, Rijeka did win 1:0 at home.
What's next for Rijeka?
This win brings Rijeka important points. They now have six points from three matches, with a record of two wins and one loss. They have scored five goals but also conceded five, resulting in a goal difference of zero. They trail leaders Dinamo Zagreb by three points. Their next challenge comes this weekend away to HNK Gorica, who are currently 10th in the table. Details of upcoming fixtures can be found on our fixtures page. Coach Kek and his players will need to address conceding late goals to maintain a positive run. The current league standing can be followed on the standings page.
