HNK Rijeka secured a vital 3-2 victory over Istra 1961 in the 4th round of the SuperSport HNL. The match at Stadion HNK Rijeka (Rujevica) ended a 725-day league winless streak against the Pula-based side at home, with the last such triumph dating back to August 18, 2024. According to the report from nk-rijeka.hr, the attendance was 5371, with Igor Pajač from Sveti Ivan Zelina as the referee.
Rijeka entered the match sitting 5th in the HNL table, with 6 points from 3 games and a record of 2 wins and 1 loss. The win cut the gap to league leaders Dinamo Zagreb to three points. The opening goal came in the 18th minute, an own goal by Istra 1961's Nasraoui. The hosts doubled their lead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute. Puljić saw his initial penalty saved by keeper Kolić, but he scored the rebound. Fruk added a third for Rijeka in the 53rd minute, giving the team a comfortable cushion.
How did the second half unfold?
Istra 1961 refused to give up. They pulled one back in the 72nd minute after a mistake by Rijeka defender Janković, whose poor back pass became an assist for Jaganjac. The final goal of the match was scored by Frederiksen in the 90th minute, but it was too late for a comeback. Rijeka had several more chances in the second period. In the 68th minute, Gojak delivered a good cross, but Janković was inaccurate from a great position. A minute later, Oreč fired a strong shot from the right, which Kolić saved.
The visitors had their moments too. In the 76th minute, after a corner, Kumar was alone at the back post but his header lacked precision. Five minutes from time, Frederiksen tested Todorović again with a powerful shot. Rijeka started the second half strongly. "The team could not imagine a better start to the second half," reported nk-rijeka.hr. Istra threatened twice early in the match without creating a more dangerous shot.
Who featured for Rijeka?
Todorović started in goal for Rijeka. The starting eleven also included Janković, Ćubelić, Fruk, Vignato, Puljić, Oreč, Lasickas, Dantas, Majstorović, and Husić. The manager used all five permitted substitutions. Gojak and Pavić came on for Ćubelić and Vignato in the 60th minute. In the 72nd minute, Adu Adjei and Barco replaced Puljić and Husić. Devetak replaced Janković in the 83rd minute. The only yellow card for Rijeka went to Janković.
What is the league picture after this round?
This win brought Rijeka important points in the fight for higher positions. They have now scored 5 and conceded 5 goals this season, giving them a goal difference of zero. They currently hold 5th place, and all the latest tables can be followed on our standings page. Their next challenge comes quickly, away at HNK Gorica on August 31st. Gorica sits 10th in the table. The full schedule of matches is available on our fixtures page.
The victory over Istra 1961 was key for the squad's morale ahead of a quick turnaround in the schedule. Rijeka now needs to maintain focus and build on this momentum. The team roster and individual player stats are always available on the squad and stats pages. Ending the 725-day winless streak against Istra at Rujevica was a definite relief for the fans.
