NK Istra 1961 fell to a 2-1 defeat at home against Rijeka in a Croatian Football League match played on January 20, 2026. The visitors secured a hard-fought away victory with a decisive late goal, continuing their strong form in the league campaign. Rijeka took an early lead in the first half, putting the home side under immediate pressure. Istra 1961 managed to fight back and level the score before the interval, setting up a tense second half. The match appeared to be heading for a draw until Rijeka found a winner in the closing stages, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take all three points. The result was a significant blow to Istra 1961's hopes of climbing the table, while Rijeka's victory solidified their position among the league's top contenders. Both managers acknowledged the competitive nature of the fixture, with the winning coach praising his team's resilience to secure the result away from home.