HNK Rijeka vs HNK Gorica Match Recap - Dec 21, 2025

HNK Rijeka's Resilience Shines in Narrow Victory Over HNK Gorica

HNK Rijeka's 1-0 victory over HNK Gorica underscores their resurgence, fueled by a blend of tactical discipline and individual brilliance. The match at Stadion HNK Rijeka showcased a team that has found its footing after a shaky start to the season, now sitting comfortably in sixth place with 21 points. This win marks a continuation of Rijeka's upward trajectory, having secured three wins in their last five matches, including a recent impressive performance against Celje.

Juric's goal in the 53rd minute proved decisive, but it was the overall team performance that truly defined Rijeka's success. Dominating possession with 61%, they effectively controlled the tempo of the game. The midfield trio of Petrovic, Dantas, and Fruk orchestrated play, allowing Rijeka to dictate the flow and create opportunities. Their ability to connect passes was evident, as they completed 311 accurate passes out of 352, achieving an impressive 88% pass accuracy.

HNK Gorica's struggles were evident throughout the match, as they failed to capitalize on their limited chances. With only 39% possession, Gorica was often on the back foot, unable to establish any rhythm. Their total of 229 passes and 85% pass accuracy reflects a team lacking cohesion and creativity in the final third. Despite showing flashes of potential, Gorica's inability to convert possession into meaningful attacks has become a recurring theme this season.

The contrast in recent form between the two teams is stark. Rijeka has shown resilience and adaptability, bouncing back from a goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Their attacking prowess has been bolstered by players like Fruk, who continues to be a key figure with his ability to find space and create scoring opportunities. In contrast, Gorica has struggled to find consistency, with only one win in their last five matches, including two losses against stronger opponents like Dinamo Zagreb and NK Slaven Belupo.

Rijeka's defensive solidity played a crucial role in this match, limiting Gorica to just five total shots. The backline, anchored by Radeljić and Husić, effectively neutralized Gorica's attacking threats, allowing goalkeeper Zlomislić to make just one save throughout the match. This defensive performance is indicative of Rijeka's growing confidence as they continue to build momentum in the league.

Gorica's lack of offensive firepower was glaringly apparent, with only one shot on target. The absence of a reliable goal scorer has haunted them this season, as they struggle to convert chances into goals. Players like Kavelj and Pršir, who have shown glimpses of talent, need to step up if Gorica hopes to climb out of the lower half of the table. Their recent form suggests a team in need of a spark, and without significant improvement, relegation fears may loom larger.

The head-to-head record between these teams adds another layer of context to this fixture. Rijeka's previous victory over Gorica earlier in the season (3-1) set the tone for their current dominance in this rivalry. This latest win not only reinforces Rijeka's superiority but also highlights Gorica's ongoing struggles against their rivals.

Looking ahead, Rijeka will aim to maintain their momentum against Istra 1961, while Gorica faces a challenging away match against NK Varazdin. For Rijeka, consistency will be key as they seek to solidify their position in the upper half of the table. Meanwhile, Gorica must regroup and find solutions to their attacking woes if they are to avoid slipping further down the standings.

This match encapsulated the essence of both teams' current trajectories: Rijeka is on an upward path fueled by confidence and tactical acumen, while Gorica grapples with inconsistency and missed opportunities. The stakes remain high as both teams navigate the challenges of the HNL season, with each match serving as a critical juncture in their respective campaigns.