Rijeka vs Istra 1961 preview

Croatia flag 2026/2027 1. HNL, Croatia
Stadion HNK Rijeka
1. HNL
RijekaRIJ
3 2
Istra 1961Istra 1961
Full Time
Round 4 Regular Season
Mohamed Nasraoui - 18' (Own Goal)
Jakov Puljic - 43'
Toni Fruk - 53'
Goal
|
Goal

CONTEXT

Rijeka defeated Istra 1961 3-2 in a match where the home side led 2-0 at halftime. Rijeka controlled 59 percent of possession while Istra 1961 held 41 percent. The stronger team Rijeka secured the victory with no red cards shown to either side. The result featured a significant deviation level for Rijeka. Istra 1961 mounted pressure after the interval but could not overcome the deficit. Rijeka demonstrated effective game management to preserve the lead despite late concessions. The contest unfolded with clear phases of dominance from the home team followed by a response from the visitors. No second half adjustments altered the overall pattern substantially. Rijeka claimed all three points in line with their status as the stronger side.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Rijeka 3-2 Istra 1961. Rijeka showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with the stronger team profile.
  • xG alignment: xG alignment could not be assessed due to unavailable data.
  • Market alignment: The result aligned with pre-match market indicators.
  • xG expectations: xG expectations were unavailable for this fixture.
  • Event impact: No major events altered the match flow beyond standard play.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards occurred so no distortion from disciplinary events.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
I. Pajač
I. Pajač
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
I. Mihalj
I. Mihalj
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
F. Krznarić
F. Krznarić
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
M. Crnojević
M. Crnojević
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Rijeka M. Kek
M. Kek
VS
Istra 1961 L. Cabello
L. Cabello
1.56
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.06
1.83 i
Last 6 Opponents
Varaždin Rank: 70 L
Dinamo Zagreb Rank: 84 D
Rudeš Rank: 51 W
Gorica Rank: 60 W
Istra 1961 Rank: 65 D
Vukovar Rank: 57 W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Slaven Koprivnica Rank: 62 W
Hajduk Split Rank: 75 D
Lokomotiva Zagreb Rank: 69 L
Varaždin Rank: 70 L
Rijeka Rank: 72 D
Osijek Rank: 66 W
3
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
3 - 2 - 3
3

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
71.84
64.81
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Rijeka
Istra 1961
Power Score
71.84
64.81
League Position
5
7
Global Rank
195
387

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Rijeka — Opponent-weighted form score
Istra 1961 — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Rijeka Istra 1961

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Rijeka

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Istra 1961

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Rijeka ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Istra 1961
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
26.61
30.24
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
30.24
26.61
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Rijeka -0.32 Efficiency Index
vs
Istra 1961 +0.32 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Rijeka
Istra 1961
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Rijeka ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Istra 1961
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Rijeka Istra 1961
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
—
—
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
— vs —
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Rijeka Istra 1961
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
—
—
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
— vs —
xG set-piece data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using proxy metrics (shots, dangerous attacks). Confidence: Medium.
Rijeka
Istra 1961
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Rijeka
vs
Istra 1961
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Rijeka Istra 1961
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Rijeka 0.41
Istra 1961 0.39
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Rijeka Istra 1961
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Rijeka 0.07
Istra 1961 0.09
Rijeka
Istra 1961
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • RIJ had peak pressure around 75'.
  • RIJ started the game with stronger pressure.
RIJ Pressure Istra 1961 Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: RIJ reached the top pressure at 75' (100.00).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 8 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Rijeka RIJ Home
8 matches
Istra 1961 Istra 1961 Away
Match Record
3
Wins
3
2
Draws
2
3
Losses
3
Goals
7
Goals Scored
6
6
Goals Conceded
7
+1
Goal Difference
-1
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-24T00:13:52+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026/2027 1. HNL, Croatia · Round 4 · Regular Season
Stadium
Stadion HNK Rijeka
Capacity
8279
Attendance
5371
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Igor Pajač
Ivan Mihalj
Filip Krznarić
Marko Crnojević

Statistics

Possession
RIJ
58%
Istra 1961
42%

Top Statistics

3 Goals 2
3 Big Chances Created 4
4 Shots 6
34 Dangerous attacks 28
59 Possession 41
6 Corners 4
10 Free kicks 10
0 Yellow Cards 1

Match Overview

1 Penalties 0
6 Goal Kicks 9
5 Substitutions 5
27 Throwins 13
0 Hit Woodwork 1
1 Assists 1
15 Dribble Attempts 15
6 Successful Dribbles 9
40 Successful Dribbles Percentage 60

Attacking

63 Attacks 55
2 Big Chances Missed 2

Possession

64 Long Passes 36
620 Passes 426
538 Successful Passes 357
87 Successful Passes Percentage 84
44 Successful Long Passes 15
69 Successful Long Passes Percentage 42

Defensive

1 Saves 6
14 Tackles 16
8 Interceptions 10
36 Duels Won 43

Build-up

20 Total Crosses 12
3 Accurate Crosses 2

Discipline

1 Offsides 0
10 Fouls 11

Lineup

Referee : Igor Pajač

Starting XI ▼

99
Aleksa Todorovic
Aleksa Todorovic Goalkeeper
6.53
22
Ante Orec
Ante Orec Defender
6.68
23
Justas Lasickas
Justas Lasickas Defender
6.55
45
Ante Majstorovic
Ante Majstorovic (C) Defender
6.78
51
Anel Husic
Anel Husic Defender
6.66
5
Alfonso Barco
Alfonso Barco
Midfielder72'
6.49
4
Niko Jankovic
Niko Jankovic Midfielder
6.1
34
Mladen Devetak
Mladen Devetak
Defender84'
6.05
8
Ivan Cubelic
Ivan Cubelic Midfielder
6.82
14
Amer Gojak
Amer Gojak
Midfielder60'
6.96
10
Toni Fruk
Toni Fruk Midfielder
8.15
19
Samuele Vignato
Samuele Vignato Midfielder
6.55
6
Branko Pavic
Branko Pavic
Midfielder60'
6.57
26
Tiago Dantas
Tiago Dantas Midfielder
7.19
21
Jakov Puljic
Jakov Puljic Attacker
7.03
18
Daniel Adu-Adjei
Daniel Adu-Adjei
Attacker72'
6.39
Referee : Igor Pajač

Starting XI ▼

1
Franko Kolic
Franko Kolic Goalkeeper
7.96
3
Mohamed Nasraoui
Mohamed Nasraoui Defender
6.15
4
Raul Kumar
Raul Kumar Defender
6.49
13
Niko Sepic
Niko Sepic Defender
6.33
97
Advan Kadusic
Advan Kadusic (C) Defender
5.94
44
Rene Hrvatin
Rene Hrvatin
Defender61'
6.75
8
Antonio Mauric
Antonio Mauric Midfielder
6.2
20
Dukan Ahmeti
Dukan Ahmeti
Midfielder72'
7.17
22
Emil Frederiksen
Emil Frederiksen Midfielder
7.62
30
Nik Skafar Zuzic
Nik Skafar Zuzic Midfielder
6.66
7
Vinko Rozic
Vinko Rozic
Attacker61'
6.83
80
Ivan Saranic
Ivan Saranic Midfielder
6.48
34
Matija Kablar
Matija Kablar
Midfielder78'
6.33
88
Daouda Doumbia
Daouda Doumbia Midfielder
6.4
25
Gustavo Albarracín
Gustavo Albarracín
Midfielder61'
6.65
94
Hamza Jaganjac
Hamza Jaganjac Attacker
7.41

Events

2ND-HALF
90+3'
Event
Emil Frederiksen
Header / 4th Goal
Event
Mladen Devetak → Niko Jankovic
10th Substitution
84'
78'
Event
Matija Kablar → Ivan Saranic
9th Substitution
Event
Daniel Adu-Adjei → Jakov Puljic
6th Substitution
72'
Event
Alfonso Barco → Anel Husic
8th Substitution
72'
72'
Event
Dukan Ahmeti → Antonio Mauric
7th Substitution
71'
Event
Hamza Jaganjac
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
62'
Event
Hamza Jaganjac
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
61'
Event
Gustavo Albarracín → Daouda Doumbia
3rd Substitution
61'
Event
Rene Hrvatin → Advan Kadusic
4th Substitution
61'
Event
Vinko Rozic → Nik Skafar Zuzic
5th Substitution
Event
Amer Gojak → Ivan Cubelic
1st Substitution
60'
Event
Branko Pavic → Samuele Vignato
2nd Substitution
60'
Event
Toni Fruk
Left foot shot / 2nd Goal
53'
1ST-HALF
Event
Jakov Puljic
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
43'
Event
Jakov Puljic
Goalkeeper save
43'
Event
Toni Fruk
Penalty awarded
42'
Event
Mohamed Nasraoui
Right foot shot / 1st Own Goal
18'

Match Commentary

90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Emil Frederiksen takes a shot with his head and scores a goal.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Match ends with a score of 3-2.
90
Attempt Attempt
Hamza Jaganjac takes a right-footed shot but misses.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 3-2.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
88
Attempt Attempt
Dukan Ahmeti takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
85
Attempt Attempt
Emil Frederiksen's left-footed shot is saved.
84
Update Update
Mladen Devetak replaces Niko Jankovic.
83
Attempt Attempt
Vinko Rozic takes a right-footed shot but misses.
82
Attempt Attempt
Emil Frederiksen takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
82
Update Update
Mladen Devetak comes on for Niko Jankovic.
81
Attempt Attempt
Vinko Rozic takes a right-footed shot but misses.
80
Attempt Attempt
Vinko Rozic takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
78
Update Update
Matija Kablar comes on for Ivan Saranic.
77
Attempt Attempt
Alfonso Barco takes a left-footed shot but misses.
76
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
76
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
74
Attempt Attempt
Raul Kumar takes a header shot but misses.
72
Attempt Attempt
Niko Jankovic takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
72
Update Update
Daniel Adu Adjei is on, and Jakov Puljic is off.
72
Update Update
Daniel Adu Adjei is on, and Jakov Puljic is off.
71
Substitution Substitution
Substitution: Alfonso Barco comes on for Anel Husic.
71
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 3-1.
70
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot from Hamza Jaganjac with his right foot results in a goal.
69
Attempt Attempt
Ante Orec takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
67
Attempt Attempt
Niko Jankovic takes a left-footed shot but misses.
62
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Hamza Jaganjac.
61
Update Update
Gustavo Albarracín comes on for Daouda Doumbia.
61
Update Update
Rene Hrvatin is on, and Advan Kadusic is off.
61
Update Update
Vinko Rozic comes on for Nik Skafar Zuzic.
60
Attempt Attempt
Toni Fruk takes a right-footed shot but misses.
60
Update Update
Branko Pavic is on, and Samuele Vignato is off.
60
Update Update
On comes Amer Gojak, off goes Ivan Cubelic.
58
Attempt Attempt
Niko Jankovic takes a left-footed shot but misses.
53
Attempt Attempt
Toni Fruk takes a right-footed shot but misses.
53
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Toni Fruk scores, making it 3-0.
45
Attempt Attempt
Emil Frederiksen takes a left-footed shot but misses.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
43
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Jakov Puljic takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
43
Attempt Attempt
Jakov Puljic takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
43
Attempt Attempt
Penalty saved! Jakov Puljic's attempt does not find the net.
43
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Penalty saved! Jakov Puljic misses the shot.
42
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Jakov Puljic scores, making it 2-0.
42
Attempt Attempt
Toni Fruk takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
40
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
39
Attempt Attempt
Jakov Puljic takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
38
Update Update
VAR decision reviewed for Niko Jankovic.
25
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Mohamed Nasraoui with a header, but it misses the target.
22
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
18
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot by Mohamed Nasraoui results in an own goal.
18
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! An own goal by Mohamed Nasraoui puts the score at 1-0.
16
Attempt Attempt
Nik Skafar Zuzic takes a right-footed shot but misses.
14
Attempt Attempt
Shot from Ivan Saranic with his left foot, but it's saved.
6
Attempt Attempt
Toni Fruk takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
2
Attempt Attempt
Niko Jankovic takes a right-footed shot but misses.
1
Attempt Attempt
Jakov Puljic takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Igor Pajac.

CONCLUSION

Rijeka completed a 3-2 win against Istra 1961 after establishing a 2-0 halftime advantage. The home side managed possession effectively at 59 percent and limited clear opportunities for the visitors. Istra 1961 responded in the second half with two goals but fell short of an equalizer. Rijeka maintained composure to secure the points as the stronger team. The absence of red cards allowed both sides to retain full squads throughout. Possession stats reflected Rijeka's control while the final scoreline confirmed their edge. This outcome highlighted Rijeka's capacity to close out matches under pressure from trailing opponents. The game concluded with Rijeka taking maximum points from the encounter.