PREVIEW: Rijeka Hosts Hajduk Split in Croatian Cup Clash

ZAGREB, Croatia (Interstat) — A fierce Croatian football rivalry renews Wednesday when HNK Rijeka hosts Hajduk Split in a Cup match at Stadion Rujevica.

The knockout fixture, set for March 4, 2026, pits two of the nation’s most successful clubs against each other in a competition where form often diverges from the domestic league.

Hajduk Split enters the contest following a stagnant offensive performance in its last match, a 0-0 draw with HNK Cibalia Vinkovci on Oct. 29, 2025. Its recent form has been inconsistent, with a 4-1 road victory over NK Koprivnica in September preceded by a mixed European campaign last summer. The club navigated past Albania’s Dinamo Tirana and Azerbaijan’s Zira in July and August, but results varied from a 3-1 loss to a 2-1 win.

In contrast, HNK Rijeka showcased potent scoring in its most recent outing, a 4-1 road win against NK Mladost Ždralovi on Dec. 3, 2025. That result echoed a dominant 4-0 victory at Maksimir Zagreb in September, suggesting a team in strong attacking rhythm, albeit with a significant gap since its last competitive match.

Forecasting models present a stark contradiction for Wednesday’s match. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 2-0 victory for the home side, Rijeka. However, the same outlet’s ELO rating system heavily favors the visitors, giving Hajduk Split a 91.60% probability to win.

The disparity highlights the unpredictable nature of cup derbies and the challenge of weighing recent form. Rijeka will rely on home support and a high-scoring recent history, while Hajduk will aim to leverage its pedigree and statistical favoritism to advance.

The winner will move one step closer to claiming the Croatian Football Cup.