HNK Rijeka

HNK Rijeka hold an overwhelming quality advantage in this cup tie, having regularly competed against top-tier domestic and continental opposition such as NK Osijek and FC Midtjylland. Rijeka showed their scoring prowess by netting four goals against Osijek and three against Istra 1961. While Vrbovec performed well to beat Daruvar 4-1 in the previous round, the vast disparity in competitive level makes an away victory the most probable result.

HNK Rijeka have dominated this fixture historically, winning six and drawing three of their last ten meetings against NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. Lokomotiva have conceded an average of two goals per game in the league this campaign and have suffered four defeats in six league rounds. Rijeka have collected ten points from five matches and possess the defensive organisation and attacking quality to secure at least a point away from home.

NK Osijek enter this fixture at the top of the table after securing four wins from their opening five league matches, scoring 12 goals in the process. HNK Rijeka have won their two home league games but have struggled for consistency across recent fixtures in all competitions, winning just one of their last five. In addition, Osijek have won the last two head-to-head meetings between the sides without conceding, including a 2-0 away victory in April 2026. Backing Osijek to avoid defeat provides solid coverage against a Rijeka side that has conceded five goals in four league games.

Gorica enter this clash on a four-game losing streak in the league, averaging just 0.5 goals scored per match while conceding 2.3 goals per game. Rijeka have won eight of the last ten head-to-head encounters against Gorica, suffering only one defeat in that sequence. Although Rijeka were beaten in their sole away league match at Varazdin, Gorica's lack of form and scoring output makes backing the visitors on the double chance a well-supported option.

Midtjylland's two-goal cushion allows them to prioritize defensive structure away from home, having kept clean sheets in both the first leg (2-0) and their previous European away trip (2-0 at Bohemians). Rijeka conceded an average of 0.6 goals per game in recorded tournament play, suggesting a tightly contested, controlled fixture.

FC Midtjylland established clear control with a 2-0 victory in the first leg and enter this fixture having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Rijeka have suffered two defeats in their last four matches, both by 2-0 scorelines. Backing the visitors to avoid defeat aligns well with their current form and aggregate advantage.

Historical head-to-head encounters heavily favor a low-scoring outcome, with 8 of the past 10 matches staying Under 2.5 goals and an average of only 1.6 goals per fixture. Rijeka have also struggled for goals recently, failing to score in their last two competitive matches.