Rijeka advanced to the Croatian Cup final after defeating Slaven Belupo 1-0 in the second leg on May 30, 2025, winning the tie 2-1 on aggregate. This match result was a tense, narrow victory that sent the home fans into raptures. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the semi-final was perfectly balanced, and the only goal of the game came in the second half. Rijeka, leveraging the advantage of their home stadium, applied sustained pressure until they found the breakthrough, likely through a headed goal from a corner or a precise finish from inside the box. Slaven Belupo fought valiantly and pushed for an equalizer that would have forced extra time, but Rijeka's defense stood firm under late pressure. The final whistle confirmed Rijeka's place in the showpiece event, keeping their dream of winning the domestic cup alive, while Slaven Belupo's brave campaign ended in heartbreak.