Levi Rothermund
A regular season clash in the 1. HNL brings Rijeka and Vukovar 1991 together at Stadion HNK Rijeka. The hosts, led by Víctor Sánchez, enter as strong favorites but recent results suggest no walkover. Vukovar 1991, under Tomislav Stipic, are still searching for consistent form yet have shown flashes of danger, especially through their main striker Jakov Puljić who is in a goalscoring mood. On Rijeka’s side, Tiago Dantas has found his shooting boots lately and could shape the match from midfield. These teams often run into card trouble, so discipline might play a bigger role than usual.
Hot stat: Vukovar 1991’s Jakov Puljić has scored 5 goals in his last 5 matches—no player on either side comes close to this scoring streak right now.
| 🏆 Tournament: | 1. HNL 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka |
| 🗓️ Date: | 08.05.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 20:00 CEST |
Rijeka vs Vukovar 1991 prediction
The best value bet for this match is a Rijeka win with both teams to score. The home side has the upper hand across every metric—better recent form, stronger squad depth, higher pass accuracy, and home advantage—but their defense tends to give up chances, as shown by conceding in 4 of their last 5. Vukovar 1991’s Puljić is in rare form, and their attack has put 7 past opponents in 5 matches despite being outclassed most weeks. We think Rijeka’s midfield, especially with Dantas running the show, will control the pace and provide enough quality for a win, but Vukovar 1991 rarely leave empty-handed in terms of goals.
Both teams are not shy with the challenges—Rijeka averaged 11 fouls and 1.6 yellow cards per match, while Vukovar 1991 racks up 14.2 fouls and nearly 4 yellows per game recently. The ball spends more time at Rijeka’s feet (66% pass accuracy, 1,635 passes in last 5), while Vukovar 1991’s aggressive pressing (55 interceptions, 19 yellows) hints at a scrappy contest. Expect tension, set-piece chances, and a high likelihood of cards affecting the rhythm.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Over 4.5 cards in the match |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Rijeka’s last five matches reflect a team oscillating between efficiency and inconsistency: a commanding 3-0 win against Lokomotiva Zagreb, a tough 0-0 with Hajduk Split, and a slip against Varazdin (0-1). Their ability to raise their game in big matches is clear—they held Dinamo Zagreb to a 2-2 draw. The most recent outing, a 3-0 win over Lokomotiva, showcased defensive discipline and creative build-up, with Dantas and Adu-Adjei leading the attacking charge. The attack clicked, but lapses earlier in the run show they can be vulnerable to quick counters or lapses in focus.
Vukovar 1991’s run has been more turbulent. Losses to Gorica and Dinamo Zagreb, followed by a redeeming 2-1 win over Istra 1961 and a 1-0 over Osijek, inject hope but inconsistency reigns. Their last match, a hard-fought 1-0 win against Osijek, saw Puljić again step up—he’s carrying much of the attacking threat right now. Defensive frailties persist (7 goals conceded in last 5), and the midfield struggles to keep possession for long spells, yet the team’s spirit in close games is notable.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Rijeka | Vukovar 1991 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 6 | 4 |
| Total shots | 71 | 50 |
| Free kicks | 2 | 3 |
| Corner kicks | 40 | 18 |
| Total fouls | 66 | 71 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 66 | 55 |
| Interceptions | 42 | 55 |
| Offsides | 11 | 5 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Rijeka vs Vukovar 1991 stats page for more info.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Rijeka the favourite
- Moneyline Rijeka 1.10-1.34 | Vukovar 1991 7.50-8.64
- Draw 4.70-5.06
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.60 | Under 2.5 2.30
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.10 | No 1.65
Bookies expect Rijeka to dominate, with implied win probability at 70%. The value on a home win is low, but both teams scoring comes at attractive odds given Vukovar 1991’s punchy attack and Rijeka’s tendency to concede. Over 2.5 goals looks like a solid punt, given both sides’ attacking inclinations and occasional defensive lapses.
Vukovar 1991. Source: Official Facebook
Possible Starting Lineups
Rijeka possible starting eleven
- GK: Martin Zlomislić
- DF: Stjepan Radeljić, Ante Majstorović, Mladen Devetak, Justas Lasickas
- MF: Amer Gojak, Tiago Dantas, Alfonso Barco, Branko Pavić
- FW: D. Adu-Adjei, Gabrijel Rukavina
Rijeka usually set up in a 4-2-3-1. Zlomislić is a lock in goal. Majstorović and Radeljić are reliable at center-back, Lasickas and Devetak flank them. Midfield sees Gojak and Barco, with Dantas and Pavić providing creativity and work rate. Adu-Adjei and Rukavina lead the line; Dantas is one to watch for late runs and set-pieces. This lineup has shown the best balance in recent games.
Vukovar 1991 possible starting eleven
- GK: Marino Bulat
- DF: Nikita Vlasenko, Kristijan Čabrajić, Moreno Zivković, jakov gurlica
- MF: Eniss Shabani, Robin Gonzalez, Vito Caic, Alen Jurilj
- FW: Jakov Puljić, Simun Butic
Vukovar 1991 also favor a 4-2-3-1 but can flex into 4-4-2 if chasing a result. Bulat starts in goal. Čabrajić and Vlasenko anchor the back four, with Zivković and Gurlica out wide. Shabani and Gonzalez run the engine room, Caic and Jurilj offer width and support for Puljić and Butic up top. Puljić is the danger man, riding a hot streak that could trouble Rijeka’s defense. This is their most-used configuration in recent matches.
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Rijeka. Source: Official Facebook
TipsGG Match Prediction
We think Rijeka take the win—too much quality in midfield, better structure, and a stronger record at home. Vukovar 1991’s attack is not to be ignored, and Puljić can nick a goal, so both teams to score looks strong. The odds on goals and cards markets carry value, given how aggressively both teams play and the recent stats on fouls and bookings. Maybe not a blowout, but a clear edge for Rijeka in this fixture.
