Gorica vs Rijeka Predictions

Gorica will face Rijeka at Stadion Radnik on March 1, 2025, in a significant HNL matchup, as Round 24 brings together two teams with divergent trajectories. Gorica, under Željko Sopić, are projected to sit 7th with around 32 points from 23 matches as of February 27, 2025, following a 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb (Feb 23, 2025), aiming to upset Rijeka at home to climb the standings. Rijeka, managed by Radomir Đalović, are expected to lead the league with approximately 50 points, buoyed by a 2-1 win over Hajduk Split (Feb 23, 2025), looking to maintain their title charge. This expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win Gorica vs Rijeka in this HNL clash?

Team Form & Recent Performances

Gorica

2024/25 Record (Projected as of Feb 27): 9W, 5D, 9L (32 points, 7th in HNL)
Latest Result: 1-0 loss vs. Dinamo Zagreb (Feb 23, 2025)
Home Form: 5W, 3D, 3L (15 goals scored, 12 conceded)

Gorica have been inconsistent this season, with their recent 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb marking their second loss in three league games (1W, 0D, 2L) as of February 27, 2025. Projected at 32 points from 23 matches, their last home win—a 2-1 victory over Osijek (Feb 15, 2025)—shows their potential at Stadion Radnik. At home, they’ve averaged 1.36 goals scored and 1.09 conceded per game, reflecting a gritty but vulnerable side that could trouble Rijeka with the right spark.

Rijeka

2024/25 Record (Projected as of Feb 27): 15W, 5D, 3L (50 points, 1st in HNL)
Latest Result: 2-1 win vs. Hajduk Split (Feb 23, 2025)
Away Form: 7W, 3D, 1L (19 goals scored, 10 conceded)

Rijeka have been a dominant force, projected at 50 points from 23 matches as of February 27, 2025. Their 2-1 victory over Hajduk Split, with goals from Toni Fruk and Jorge Obregón, marked their fourth win in five league games (4W, 1D, 0L), showcasing their title credentials. On the road, they’ve averaged 1.73 goals scored and 0.91 conceded per game, balancing offensive potency with a league-leading defense that makes them favorites in Velika Gorica.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

Overall Record: Rijeka 20W, Gorica 5W, 7D (32 meetings since 2018)
Recent Meetings:

• Dec 1, 2024: Rijeka 2-1 Gorica (HNL)

• Feb 25, 2024: Gorica 1-0 Rijeka (HNL)

• Oct 29, 2023: Rijeka 1-0 Gorica (HNL)

Key Trend: Rijeka have won 4 of the last 6 meetings; 3 of the last 5 H2Hs stayed under 2.5 goals.

Rijeka have generally held the upper hand, with their 2-1 win in December 2024 at Stadion Rujevica—led by Niko Janković’s strike—highlighting their edge. Gorica’s 1-0 upset in February 2024 at home shows they can compete, but Rijeka’s consistency prevails. Matches have averaged 2.0 goals in their last five encounters, suggesting a tight contest could be in store.

Key Players to Watch

Gorica

• Ante Matej Jurić (FWD): 8 goals in 2024/25; Gorica’s top scorer and clinical finisher.

• Jurica Pršir (MID): 4 goals, 3 assists; creative spark in midfield.

• Božidar Radošević (GK): 5 clean sheets; key to defensive hopes.

Rijeka

• Niko Janković (MID): 9 goals, 5 assists in 2024/25; Rijeka’s leading creator and scorer.

• Jorge Obregón (FWD): 7 goals; physical presence with finishing touch.

• Borna Buljan (GK): 7 clean sheets; anchors a solid backline.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Gorica’s 4-2-3-1 (1.35 goals per game) relies on Jurić’s finishing and Pršir’s vision to break down Rijeka’s defense (0.87 goals conceded per game), which has been impenetrable this season. Rijeka’s 4-2-3-1 (1.91 goals per game) thrives on Janković’s playmaking and Obregón’s movement, exploiting Gorica’s backline (1.30 goals conceded per game). Gorica’s Luka Kapulica (doubtful, injury) and Rijeka’s Marco Pašalić (questionable, fatigue) could impact lineups, with Stadion Radnik’s 8,000 fans adding pressure on the league leaders.

Prediction: Gorica vs Rijeka

Our Prediction: Rijeka to Win 1-0

TIP 2: Corner - Rijeka to Win