HNK Hajduk Split vs HNK Rijeka Prediction & Preview

HNK Hajduk Split vs HNK Rijeka Preview & Prediction

The upcoming HNK Hajduk Split vs HNK Rijeka fixture is set to be a crucial encounter in the HNL as both teams battle for top positions in the league. Currently sitting third with 57 points and a goal difference of +13, Hajduk Split will be eager to arrest a recent dip in form that has seen them collect just one point from their last five matches. Meanwhile, Rijeka occupy second place with 62 points and an impressive goal difference of +27, though their recent form has been inconsistent with two wins followed by three losses in their last five outings. This HNL match preview highlights a clash that promises tactical intrigue and a tight contest given the stakes involved.

Under the guidance of coach Gattuso, HNK Hajduk Split has faced challenges in recent weeks, as reflected in their recent form. Their last five matches have yielded just one draw against HNK Gorica, alongside defeats to Dinamo Zagreb, NK Osijek, Istra 1961, and a draw at NK Varazdin. Tactically, Gattuso’s side has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, and defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, contributing to this troubling run. Despite these issues, playing at home may offer Hajduk a platform to regain confidence and apply pressure on Rijeka, especially as they seek to climb back into the title race. The home side’s recent form under Gattuso calls for a tactical reset to tighten their defense and improve attacking efficiency.

On the other hand, HNK Rijeka, led by coach R. Đalović, come into this fixture with a mixed form guide. Their recent performances include a narrow cup draw away at NK Slaven Belupo, and a couple of league wins against Sibenik and HNK Gorica, offset by losses to Dinamo Zagreb and NK Osijek. Rijeka’s away performance has shown resilience, but the inconsistency at crucial moments has cost them valuable points. Their strengths lie in a solid defensive setup and the ability to capitalize on limited chances, but lapses in concentration have been costly. Đalović will likely emphasize disciplined defensive organization and quick transitions to exploit Hajduk’s current weaknesses.

The HNK Hajduk Split vs HNK Rijeka head to head record further underscores Rijeka’s recent dominance in this fixture. In the last five finished encounters, Rijeka have won three times convincingly, including a 3-0 away victory in March 2025 and a 3-1 win at Hajduk’s home ground in February 2025. The remaining two matches—a 2-2 draw and a 0-0 stalemate—reflect tightly contested battles, but notably, Hajduk have not secured a win against Rijeka in these recent clashes. This pattern suggests that Rijeka have a psychological edge, although Hajduk will be desperate to reverse this trend on home soil.

Considering the current form and head-to-head history, the HNK Hajduk Split vs HNK Rijeka prediction leans towards a closely fought game with limited goal-scoring opportunities. The suggestion of under 3.5 goals aligns with both teams’ recent struggles to consistently find the net and the tactical caution expected from both coaches. Given Hajduk’s need to stabilize their defense and Rijeka’s pragmatic approach away from home, this encounter is likely to be a tactical chess match rather than a high-scoring thriller.

A hot stat to note is that Rijeka have won three of the last five meetings against Hajduk Split without conceding more than one goal per match, highlighting their defensive solidity in this fixture. Fans and bettors looking for HNK Hajduk Split vs HNK Rijeka betting tips should consider the likelihood of a tight, low-scoring game where margins will be slim and tactical discipline paramount. This match promises intensity and strategic battles as both teams push for vital points in the HNL standings.