In a gripping encounter at Šubićevac, Rijeka edged past Šibenik with a narrow 1-0 victory on May 10, 2025, in the 34th round of the SuperSport HNL. The match, which kicked off at 17:00, saw Nais Djouahra score the decisive goal in the 66th minute, securing Rijeka’s position at the top of the league table.
With this win, Rijeka further distanced themselves from their closest rivals, Dinamo Zagreb, who were only one point behind and had a match against Slaven Belupa later in the day. The pressure was palpable as Šibenik, sitting at the bottom of the league, faced almost certain relegation unless they could turn their fortunes around.
The starting lineups featured a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. Šibenik, managed by Rajko Vidović, lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Filipović in goal and a defense including Perić, Morrison, and Žuta. Rijeka, under the guidance of Radomir Đalović, opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Zlomislić guarding the net and Djouahra leading the attack alongside Fruk and Rukavina.
From the outset, the match was competitive, with Šibenik showing resilience despite their struggles this season. They created several opportunities, particularly through Santini and Laća, who both came close to scoring. Laća notably rattled the crossbar in the 76th minute, a moment that could have changed the course of the game.
Rijeka’s breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Djouahra, after receiving a well-placed pass from Fruk, found the back of the net from a tight angle. This goal not only showcased Rijeka's attacking prowess but also highlighted the struggles of Šibenik's defense, which, despite their efforts, could not contain the visitors.
As the match progressed, tensions rose, and both teams were cautioned with yellow cards. Pozo received a yellow for a foul, while Santini was also booked for his challenges. The referee, Ante Čulina from Zagreb, maintained control over the match, ensuring that the competitive spirit did not escalate into chaos.
In the dying moments of the match, Rijeka made tactical substitutions, bringing in Oreč for Djouahra in the 90+1 minute to solidify their lead. The match concluded with Rijeka triumphing 1-0, a result that bolstered their title ambitions as they now sit four points clear at the top of the league.
For Šibenik, this defeat was a significant blow. They remain anchored at the bottom of the table, seven points adrift of safety, and must now confront the reality of potential relegation unless they can secure points in their remaining fixtures. The club recently faced a setback when two points were deducted due to financial issues, although there is hope for a reversal of this decision.
After the match, Rijeka’s coach Radomir Đalović expressed pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus as they approach the end of the season. “This is a crucial week for us, and we need to keep our intensity high,” he stated. His respect for Šibenik was evident as he acknowledged their efforts despite their challenging circumstances.
Rijeka fans celebrated the victory, which not only brought them closer to a potential championship but also marked a continuation of their strong form against Šibenik. Historically, Rijeka has dominated this fixture, boasting a record of 33 wins, 16 draws, and 14 losses in their past encounters across all competitions.
The match at Šubićevac was attended by 2,224 spectators, who witnessed a hard-fought battle that underscored the stakes for both teams. While Rijeka’s aspirations for the title continue to look bright, the road ahead for Šibenik is fraught with challenges, and they will need to regroup quickly to salvage their season.
As the league progresses, all eyes will be on Rijeka as they aim to secure their first championship title since 2017. Meanwhile, the struggle for survival intensifies for Šibenik, who must find a way to turn their fortunes around in the coming weeks.
