- Recent form: HNK Rijeka have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five matches across all competitions (W3, D1, L1). Derry City have won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five across all competitions (W1, D1, L3). Rijeka average 1.17 goals per game at home, conceding an average of just 0.67 in Croatia across all competitions.
Croatians could count on a home win
Competition context
The Conference League, even in 2026, has such a significant place in the European sporting calendar, not to mention the revenue and momentum that comes with playing in it. This 2026 edition of UEFA Conference League Qualification could be just the platform that Rijeka have been waiting for to prove their worth as a 'system' team under Matjaz Kek.
Odds and tactics
The Croatian outfit are the odds-on favorites at 1.27 ahead of Derry City's 8.9 and the 6.8 on the draw, which looks like a tough order for a side without a win on the road after three away games across all competitions (D1, L2). However, the Irish side do have a creative spark in Michael Duffy, who can supply and create chances for the forwards with his four assists in Derry's last five games across all competitions.
Kek's side are built on the high-press and are very adept at morphing their 4-3-3 into a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 when the occasion demands it, so this could be a lot more of a tactical match-up than a straight 4-3-3 clash. However, we know one thing for sure, the home side will be in control of the tempo and Derry will be running after shadows for long periods if Rijeka can get their pressing game going.
Derry could struggle to compete at both ends
Tiernan Lynch's men are a better side when allowed to play on the front foot, although they are prone to getting caught out on the counter attack, where Duffy can be their saviour. The pressing system isn't as cohesive as Rijeka's and the players have been prone to losing focus, which has led to Lynch's side conceding six goals in three away trips across all competitions.
A 2-0 home win over NK Gorica and a 0-0 away draw with NK Istra 1961 Pula in HNL 2025/2026 have given Rijeka a solid platform at Stadion Rujevica, where they have won three, drawn one and lost two across all competitions.
- Daniel Adu-Adjei is their danger man up front, with three goals in Rijeka's last 5 matches, and his finishing prowess can give his side the sharp edge in the attacking third.
- This game is a solid pass on the game result markets, but a Rijeka win to nil does look very interesting indeed given Derry's struggles on the road and Rijeka's stingy 0.67 average goals conceded at home.
