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Rijeka vs Osijek Prediction – HNL Round 11 Clash at Stadion HNK Rijeka (October 27, 2025)

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⚽ Rijeka vs Osijek – HNL Round 11 Preview

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The Croatian First Football League (HNL) heats up as Rijeka host Osijek in Round 11 on October 27, 2025, at the Stadion HNK Rijeka. Both clubs enter this clash with ambitions to close the gap on league leaders Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split, making this matchup a pivotal test of strength and character.

Rijeka, known for their impressive home form and fluid attacking style, aim to extend their unbeaten run at home, while Osijek — rejuvenated under new management — are determined to prove their consistency against one of Croatia’s top sides. This promises to be a high-tempo, technically sharp encounter featuring some of the league’s brightest talents. ⚔️

🔵 Rijeka – Strong at Home, Hungry for Glory

Rijeka’s 2025 season has been defined by resilience and attacking flair. Under coach Željko Sopić, the team has become one of the most balanced sides in the HNL — boasting a powerful attack led by Matija Frigan and Franjo Ivanović, and a structured defense marshaled by Niko Galešić.

Rijeka currently sit near the top of the standings, with strong home performances propelling their campaign. They remain unbeaten at Stadion HNK Rijeka in 2025, having earned crucial wins against Hajduk Split and Slaven Belupo, while drawing narrowly with Dinamo Zagreb. Their pressing system and wide attacking play have made them extremely difficult to contain.

Midfielder Marko Pjaca continues to shine, orchestrating the team’s buildup and providing creativity in the final third. Alongside him, Luka Marin and Niko Janković have been instrumental in linking defense and attack. Defensively, the pairing of Galešić and Smolčić offers composure and aerial dominance, while goalkeeper Labrović has been a rock between the posts.

Rijeka’s confidence and consistency at home give them a clear edge heading into this fixture — but Osijek’s away counterattacking strength could test their defensive focus. ⚡

⚪ Osijek – Tactical and Tenacious

Osijek have enjoyed a solid 2025 season under Zoran Zekić, displaying tactical discipline and quick transitions. While their away record has been inconsistent, their victories over Istra 1961 and Varaždin show they can produce results on the road when they execute their game plan effectively.

Their strength lies in their ability to combine compact defending with rapid counterattacks, driven by wingers Kristijan Lovrić and Petar Brlek. Central midfielder Mihael Žaper anchors the side, providing balance and aggression in midfield battles, while striker Dion Drena Beljo remains their main goal threat, already netting six goals in 2025.

Osijek’s backline, led by Mile Škorić and Domagoj Cvijanović, will need to remain alert against Rijeka’s movement-heavy attack. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Marko Malenica has been in fine form, producing several key saves in recent matches.

Although Osijek have shown defensive stability, they often struggle against teams that dominate possession — an area where Rijeka typically excel. Still, their pace in transitions and physicality in duels could make them dangerous on the counter. ⚽

📊 Head-to-Head Record

The rivalry between Rijeka and Osijek has been one of the most competitive fixtures in Croatian football over the last few seasons.

  • Last 5 Meetings (All Competitions):

    • Rijeka wins: 3

    • Osijek wins: 1

    • Draws: 1

Their last encounter in May 2025 ended in a thrilling 2–2 draw in Osijek, with both teams showcasing attacking intent. Rijeka’s last home game against Osijek, in March 2025, ended in a 3–1 victory thanks to goals from Ivanović and Pjaca.

Historically, Rijeka have had the upper hand at home — Osijek’s last win at Stadion HNK Rijeka came back in 2021.

🧩 Predicted Lineups

Rijeka (4–2–3–1):

Goalkeeper: Nediljko Labrović
Defenders: Tomek Smolčić, Niko Galešić, Marin Capan, Frano Mlinar
Midfielders: Luka Marin, Niko Janković
Attacking Midfielders: Marko Pjaca, Franjo Ivanović, Andrej Pavlović
Forward: Matija Frigan

Osijek (4–3–3):

Goalkeeper: Marko Malenica
Defenders: Mile Škorić, Domagoj Cvijanović, Ivan Fiolić, Ante Erceg
Midfielders: Mihael Žaper, Petar Brlek, Lovro Cvek
Forwards: Kristijan Lovrić, Dion Drena Beljo, Marin Pilj

🔍 Tactical Breakdown

Rijeka’s Strategy:

  • Dominate possession and stretch play with wide wingers.

  • Utilize Pjaca’s creativity to break down Osijek’s low block.

  • Press high and win second balls in midfield to sustain pressure.

Osijek’s Strategy:

  • Stay compact defensively and absorb pressure.

  • Exploit space behind Rijeka’s full-backs with Lovrić’s pace.

  • Target set pieces — an area where Osijek have scored 35% of their goals in 2025.

Expect Rijeka to control the tempo, but Osijek’s counterattacking pace could force some nervy moments for the hosts.

🔮 Match Prediction

  • Full-Time Score: Rijeka 2–1 Osijek

  • Both Teams to Score: ✅ Yes

  • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: ✅ Over 2.5

  • Key Player: Marko Pjaca (Rijeka)

Rijeka’s home form and superior attacking organization should give them the edge. While Osijek are capable of threatening on the break, Rijeka’s control in midfield and creativity in attack make them favorites to secure all three points. Expect an entertaining match with goals at both ends. 🔥

🏁 Conclusion

The HNL Round 11 clash between Rijeka and Osijek promises a fascinating contest between two top Croatian sides fighting for European qualification spots. Rijeka’s attacking dynamism and home strength should prove decisive, but Osijek’s resilience ensures this won’t be a straightforward affair.

In front of their passionate home fans, Rijeka are likely to prevail — though Osijek’s counters could make it a tense battle until the final whistle.

Final Prediction: Rijeka 2–1 Osijek – Pjaca to inspire another home victory. 💪⚽