Rijeka vs Varazdin Prediction: How will Rijeka react after hard defeat in ECL?

After a heroic but ultimately unfortunate match against the Lille team in the playoffs for the UEFA Conference League, Rijeka have to face the challenges in the HNL as best as they know. Maybe "Tailors" are the real rival for that? It could be said that Rijeka are where they are in the ranking, firstly as a result of the difficult schedule, and then also of the European challenges that were before this team. Now that they are no longer in the game for continental competition they have to commit to HNL.

Form: DLLWW

It is an understatement to say that Rijeka were brave on Thursday at Rujevica. Xeljko Sopic's team played a truly phenomenal match, and if there had been a little more luck, the European autumn would have been celebrated in Kvarner. However, the French went further, when David scored in extra time. Now Rijeka must turn to HNL and must not allow themselves to fall behind the leaders. Varazdin are coming as a guest. This team really fought against Hajduk in the last round in Varazdin. Rijeka are in 3rd place with 3 wins and 2 defeats.

Form: LWDDD

Varazdin were defeated for the first time this season in HNL in their 5th match against Hajduk 2:1. However, this team is surely a good and positive surprise in the league this season. They are in 7th place with a win, 3 draws, and a defeat. They play very well organized defensively and it’s sure that they will give Rijeka a hard time in this match.

Rijeka will have to work up a hard in order to record three new points and soar ahead in the standings, but we are quite convinced of the ability of Sopic's team. As far as tradition is concerned, they are better than the popular "Tailors", with 25 wins and 12 losses since the HNL was played. Last season, on the other hand, which can be instructive when the Rijeka - Varazdin forecast is considered, the guests managed to celebrate in one match at Rujevica. But we will admit that at that time the whites of Rijeka were in a serious crisis. However, if they manage to recover from their European match, Rijeka are clear favorite here and a lot more experienced, so I expect them to win at home.