English
Tense Match in Osijek Ends in Goalless Draw
Osijek, Croatia – In a hard-fought match at the Opus Arena, NK Osijek and HNK Rijeka played to a 0-0 draw in a game marked by intensity and discipline, corresponding to the second round of the HNL regular season. Ante Culina, the Croatian referee, had a busy night showing a total of eight yellow cards and one red card.
NK Osijek dominated possession with 61%, generating 20 shots, although only 2 were on target. The home team also had 4 corner kicks. However, the lack of efficiency in front of goal prevented Osijek from capitalizing on their dominance.
HNK Rijeka, with 39% possession, defended fiercely, limiting spaces and looking for counter-attacking opportunities. The visitors took 11 shots, but only one managed to be directed between the three posts. The expulsion of D. Petrovic in the 81st minute further complicated Rijeka’s task, forcing them to redouble their efforts in defense.
The match, played on August 9, 2025, was characterized by its pace and the high number of fouls committed by both teams, 19 by Osijek and 10 by Rijeka, reflecting the constant battle for control of the midfield. The match, although lacking goals, was a demonstration of the competitiveness of the Croatian league.
Substitutions hnk rijeka: at minute 57 S. Ilinkovic came in and T. Dantas went out., at minute 57 L. Menalo came in and M. Ndockyt went out., at minute 57 D. Cop came in and A. Juric went out., at minute 68 T. Fruk came in and G. Rukavina went out., at minute 78 A. Orec came in and J. Lasickas went out.
Substitutions nk osijek: at minute 69 F. Zivkovic came in and S. Mikolcic went out., at minute 85 S. Shopov came in and D. Colina went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
NK Osijek
Titulares:
HNK Rijeka
Titulares:
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