RIJEKA, Croatia (Interstat) — Cibalia U19 delivered a significant upset in Croatian junior football on Saturday, defeating favored Rijeka U19 2-1 in a match defined by early goals and disciplined defense.

Playing in a Week 2 fixture of the CRO: 1. HNL Juniori at Al Awwal Park Stadium, the home side defied pregame projections to secure the victory. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of 2-1 in favor of Rijeka, whose ELO rating gave them a 71.30 percent probability of winning.

The match began at a rapid pace, with Cibalia’s Jason opening the scoring in the 13th minute. The early goal set the tone for a physical first half that saw four yellow cards issued before the break.

Rijeka’s Nawaf Al Harthi was booked in the 28th minute, and the visitors found an equalizer nine minutes later. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 37th minute to level the match at 1-1 heading into halftime.

The second half saw Cibalia regain control of the match. The decisive moment was facilitated by substitute Mohammed Al Baqawi, who provided a key assist despite having been shown a yellow card in the 22nd minute of the first half.

The victory extends Cibalia U19’s perfect start to the domestic season, improving their record in the 1. HNL Juniori to 2 wins and 0 losses. Their overall record across all competitions is identical. The team previously defeated Dinamo Zagreb U19 1-0 on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.

For Rijeka U19, the loss marks a disappointing start to their campaign. Their record in the competition and across all competitions now stands at 0 wins and 1 loss.

The match officials maintained control through the second half with two additional cautions. Marcelo Brozović was booked in the 43rd minute, and João Félix received a yellow card in the 63rd minute.

Looking ahead, Cibalia U19 will aim to continue their winning form on the road against Slaven Koprivnica U19 next Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. Rijeka U19 will return home on the same day, seeking their first victory of the season against Hajduk Split U19.