Rijeka 2 – 0 Jadran Dekani
International Club Friendly | 17 July 2026

HNK Rijeka continued their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 2-0 win over Slovenian side Jadran Dekani in a behind-closed-doors friendly. The Croatian top-flight side controlled the match from start to finish, showcasing their depth and tactical discipline.

Match Overview

Rijeka dominated possession in the first half, moving the ball patiently across the pitch. Their breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when a clever pass split the Jadran defence, allowing the forward to slot home first-time. The goal reflected Rijeka’s superior movement and organisation in the final third.

The second half saw Rijeka maintain control. They added a second goal in the 67th minute after a corner was cleared only to the edge of the box, where a Rijeka midfielder struck a low shot into the corner. Jadran Dekani had a couple of half-chances on the counter, but Rijeka’s defence, marshalled by experienced centre-backs, stood firm.

Key Moments

• 32' – Rijeka takes the lead with a well-worked passing move.
• 67' – Second goal from a long-range strike after a corner clearance.
• 80' – Jadran Dekani’s best opportunity saved by the Rijeka goalkeeper.

Tactical Story

Rijeka focused on building attacks through the middle, using quick one-touch passes to bypass Jadran’s midfield. The full-backs provided width without exposing the defence. Jadran Dekani remained compact but lacked the quality to create high-quality chances.

Standout Performers

Rijeka’s central midfielder was a standout, dictating the tempo and completing over 100 passes. The goalscorers both showed composure in front of goal. For Jadran, their goalkeeper made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Pre-Season Context

The friendly win extends Rijeka’s unbeaten pre-season record, helping them build momentum before the start of the Croatian First League season. Jadran Dekani, preparing for their own league campaign, will take positives from their defensive resilience despite the loss.