- Home form: Rijeka have won 1 of 1 home game in HNL 2026/2027, averaging 2.00 goals per game scored and 1.00 conceded.
- Recent form: Istra have won 1, drawn 3 and lost 1 of their last 5 in all competitions, including a 2-2 away draw at Hajduk Split.
- Head-to-head: Rijeka have failed to win their last 2 home games against Istra.
Rijeka’s structure vs Istra’s possession
Recent form and odds
HNK Rijeka come into their derby clash with NK Istra 1961 Pula after a 1-1 draw with Ilves Tampere in UEFA Conference League qualification and a 2-0 away defeat to Varaždin in HNL 2026/2027. Istra are looking for their first away win of the 2026-2027 season after one trip (D1, L0), drawing with Hajduk Split in their first game.
The last 3 meetings between Rijeka and Istra in HNL 2025/2026 have seen one win apiece and a draw, with the last fixture at Istra's stadium ending 0-0. The odds for this matchup reflect the overall HNL 2026/2027 form of the two sides, with Rijeka priced at 1.36, Istra at 7.5 and the draw at 4.9, although there is always an added edge to these derby games that could make things interesting.
Tactical setup
The return of Matjaz Kek at Rijeka's helm on 7 June 2026 has seen the Whites adopt a more compact, structure-first approach. The Whites' structure is built around the ball and it can adapt to whatever approach the opponent takes, as they are usually set up to be compact and tough to get at, pressing in unison at times, then using their structure to cover ground when out of possession.
The base formation under Kek is the 4-3-3, which can be easily switched to 4-2-3-1, and the game plan is to press coordinated and in numbers at both high and medium intensity, so they can force turnovers and make the most of their opportunities in vertical transition.
Pulse of the game will be the tempo of the Zeleno-žuti
Istra's approach
Javi Cabello has been the man in charge at Istra since 9 June 2026 and his description of his tactical plan for the Zeleno-žuti is a pro-active, possession-based system that will press the opposition, look to control the ball and look to keep the tempo of the game at a tempo they control. Local sources have described this young side as one built on tempo and being progressive in their build-up, so the pulse of the game will be dictated by how well the visitors can dictate the flow.
Standings and form
Rijeka's 2026/2027 HNL record reads 7th place with three points from two games, while Istra sit in 5th place with four points from three games.
Istra have demonstrated that they have bite in the attacking third with a 3-0 home victory over Slaven Belupo following the 2-2 draw at Hajduk, but Rijeka will be looking to get the jump on the hosts in transition. Rijeka have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five competitive games overall, so the form is with Rijeka.
Istra can keep this close and make it tough for the hosts
The odds on the Riječki bijeli look good enough to ignore on Sunday and 2.29 on Under 2.5 goals seems a smart option in this derby, which we expect to be tight, tense and cagey.
- Daniel Adu-Adjei has scored one goal in two games and looks to be the danger man for Rijeka, while Emil Frederiksen has three goals in three games and has three of Istra's last eight.
- Tiago Dantas has been a creative spark for Rijeka with one assist in two appearances.
