Match preview: Rijeka hosts a confident Dinamo Zagreb in Rijeka
Rijeka welcome league leaders Dinamo Zagreb to Stadion HNK Rijeka on 8 February in what promises to be one of the weekend’s most compelling fixtures in the 1. HNL. The home side return to Rujevica after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Osijek and arrive sitting fifth with 28 points from 20 matches. Rijeka’s campaign has been a mixed bag of spirited wins and steady draws — seven victories, seven draws and six defeats — and the recent run shows a team that can grind results but struggles for consistency. Their home record tells a story of balance: 19 goals scored at home against 10 conceded, and five clean sheets, but a tendency to settle for draws (seven so far).
Dinamo Zagreb arrive as clear favourites atop the table, boasting 44 points and an impressively efficient attack. Fourteen wins from 20 and a goal difference built on 44 scored versus 17 conceded highlight why oddsmakers list them as the team to beat. Recent form backs that up: a convincing 3-1 away win over Vukovar after European disappointment in Midtjylland. Dinamo’s attacking numbers stand out — more total shots, more shots on target and higher averages for dangerous attacks — and they bring an away goal threat that Rijeka will have to neutralize.
Tactical trends and recent history
The last league meeting saw Dinamo edge Rijeka 2-1, a result that underlines Dinamo’s knack for finding marginal edges in big matches. Statistically, Dinamo generate around 16.3 shots per match versus Rijeka’s 15.35, and they turn their chances into goals more often; Dinamo’s 44 strikes this season dwarf Rijeka’s 31. Over/under indicators also tilt toward entertainment — Dinamo games have seen over 2.5 goals in 65% of their matches, while Rijeka sits at 50% for the same market. Both teams can be dangerous within the box: Dinamo’s superior shots inside the area and Rijeka’s reliability at home mean chances should come for both sides.
Confidence figures and momentum swing Dinamo’s way. Rijeka will lean on home support in the 8,279-seater Rujevica and hope for another strong defensive showing, but Dinamo’s consistency and recent firepower make them favourites heading into a clash that looks likely to produce goals.
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Betting suggestion: Based on Dinamo’s attacking profile and the over/under history for both teams, the best single-market pick is the goals market — back Over 2.5 goals. The combination of Dinamo’s high over-2.5 percentage and Rijeka’s home goal output suggests a lively, open game with a strong chance of three or more goals.
