The UEFA Europa Conference League League Phase continues as Rijeka face Celje in a crucial group stage clash at Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka. Both sides are seeking maximum points in pursuit of knockout qualification, yet while Celje has been quietly impressive in 2025, Rijeka are striving to find a consistent rhythm. This contest is particularly intriguing given both managers, Víctor Sánchez and Albert Riera, are known for their tactical adaptability, suggesting we could witness a keen battle not just on the pitch, but in the technical areas as well.
All eyes will be on Toni Fruk of Rijeka, whose creative spark has led to four goals in his last five matches, and Celje’s Ivica Vidovic, who continues to impress in midfield and recently netted against Primorje. These emerging leaders are central to their respective teams’ attacking dynamics, making for an engaging midfield tussle.
A standout stat: Rijeka have had an impressive 86 total shots in their last five matches. This attacking intent, however, has only yielded 13 goals, indicating a slight lack of clinical finishing that Celje’s disciplined backline could aim to exploit.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/26 (League Phase) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka |
| 🗓️ Date: | 11.12.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 22:00 CEST |
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Rijeka vs Celje prediction
This fixture is expected to be closely fought, with both teams showing strengths and vulnerabilities in recent weeks. The bookmakers slightly favor Rijeka, largely due to their offensive volume and home turf advantage. However, Celje arrive with a better annual win rate and greater stability in the league standings.
Celje’s well-structured 4-2-3-1 formation has delivered solid defensive outputs, conceding just four yellow cards and eight fouls in the last five games. Rijeka, in contrast, play a more aggressive pressing game, amassing 62 fouls and eight yellow cards over the same period—this could open up opportunities for Celje on the counter, especially if Rijeka over-commit. Yet, Rijeka’s shot volume and home ground cannot be underestimated; they’ll seek to dictate the tempo.
Rijeka enjoy longer spells of possession in midfield, and their superior pass accuracy (1183 passes at a higher completion rate) suggests they can control the build-up. Celje’s more direct approach could, however, trouble Rijeka’s defense if transitions are executed with pace.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Asian Handicap 0 (Draw No Bet) Celje |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Rijeka Recent Games
Recently, Rijeka showcased their attacking depth with a 3-1 win over Vukovar 1991 and a 4-1 victory over Zdralovi, reflecting their ability to dominate weaker opposition. However, a 1-1 draw with Lokomotiva Zagreb and a goalless stalemate against AEK Larnaca reveal a struggle against more organized defenses. Their 5-0 thrashing of Hajduk Split was an anomaly, as subsequent performances have been patchy, indicating potential issues in maintaining focus and continuity.
Celje Recent Games
Celje’s recent form is steadier, highlighted by a clinical 4-1 win over Primorje. They held Koper to a 1-1 draw and narrowly lost 0-1 to Olimpija Ljubljana, proving difficult to break down even in defeat. Against Sigma Olomouc, Celje suffered a 1-2 loss but generally manage games with efficient possession and calculated risk, as demonstrated by their controlled 2-0 victory over Domzale. Their focus on tactical discipline and counter-attacking structure makes them a dangerous visitor.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Rijeka | Celje |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 13 | 8 |
| Total shots | 86 | 64 |
| Free kicks | 3 | 0 |
| Corner kicks | 34 | 29 |
| Total fouls | 62 | 8 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 79 | 83 |
| Interceptions | 48 | 6 |
| Offsides | 6 | 3 |
🚨Read our full Rijeka vs Celje stats for more analysis.

Rijeka. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: Rijeka the favourite
- Moneyline Rijeka 2.07 | Celje 3.48
- Draw 3.50
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.10 | Under 2.5 1.70
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.00 | No 1.80
The odds slightly favor Rijeka, reflecting their home advantage and shot dominance, but with Celje’s form and higher league position, the value may be on the double chance for Celje. The lines on total goals and BTTS suggest an expectation of a tight, low-scoring match, particularly given Celje’s defensive solidity and Rijeka’s recent challenges in unlocking compact defenses.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups
Rijeka possible starting eleven

- GK: Martin Zlomislić
- DF: Ante Majstorović, Stjepan Radeljić, Anel Husic, Mladen Devetak
- MF: Tiago Dantas, Samuele Vignato, Toni Fruk, Amer Gojak, Ante Orec
- FW: Luka Menalo
This lineup balances Rijeka’s experience and dynamism, with Majstorović and Radeljić providing defensive steel. Fruk—arguably Rijeka’s most impactful player—will be central to any attacking moves, supported by the creativity of Vignato. Expect a 4-2-3-1, seeking control in midfield and width via Fruk and Menalo.
Celje possible starting eleven

- GK: Zan Luk Leban
- DF: Žan Karničnik, Juanjo Nieto, Artemijus Tutyskinas, Damjan Vuklisevic
- MF: Ivica Vidovic, Mario Kvesić, Andrej Kotnik, Darko Hrka
- FW: Nikita Iosifov, Danijel Sturm
Celje’s probable lineup highlights their balance between experienced hands like Karničnik and Vidovic, and the attacking edge of Iosifov and Sturm up front. The team will likely stay with a 4-2-3-1, leveraging discipline at the back and Vidovic’s momentum in midfield to launch quick attacks.
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Celje. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
This clash has the makings of a tactical chess match: Rijeka will push for control and volume, but Celje’s organization and transitional ability are likely to frustrate any open play ambitions. Although Rijeka are favorites, the value lies with Celje on a “draw no bet” or Asian handicap, given their defensive record and better league standing. Expect a close contest, possibly finishing with less than three total goals—go for Under 2.5 as the main pick.

