The upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League clash between HNK Rijeka and NK Celje promises to be a fascinating encounter between two sides eager to make their mark in Europe. Both teams are looking to bounce back after mixed results in the group stage, with Rijeka currently sitting 24th and Celje impressively placed 3rd in the standings. The match will be played in Croatia, where Rijeka will hope to use home advantage to reignite their European campaign, while Celje aim to continue their strong attacking form that has characterized their season so far.

HNK Rijeka: Recent Form and Key Stats

Rijeka enter this fixture in fine domestic form, having secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Vukovar on December 6, 2025. That result extended their unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions, with three wins and two draws. During this period, they have averaged 2.6 goals scored per game while conceding just 0.6 goals, showcasing both attacking efficiency and defensive solidity.

However, their European campaign tells a different story. In the Conference League, Rijeka have yet to record a win, with a record of 0 wins, 3 draws, and 1 defeat. They have struggled to find the net, averaging only 0.3 goals scored per match while conceding 0.5 goals. Despite these challenges, Rijeka’s home performances remain encouraging — they have led at halftime in 7 of their last 11 matches, and only 3 of their last 12 home games have featured fewer than 0.5 total goals.

Coach and fans alike will be hoping that the team’s domestic momentum can finally translate into European success. With a strong home crowd behind them, Rijeka will look to press high and capitalize on their attacking rhythm, especially given their recent scoring consistency in domestic competitions.

NK Celje: Recent Form and Key Stats

Celje arrive in Croatia on the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Primorje on December 7, 2025, which ended a three-game winless streak. That victory reaffirmed their attacking prowess, as they have now scored an average of 1.6 goals per game over their last five matches, conceding just 1 goal per match. Their overall Conference League record is impressive: 6 wins and 2 defeats, with an average of 2.3 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game.

Celje’s offensive consistency has been remarkable. They have scored at least one goal in each of their last 15 Conference League matches and in 37 of their last 40 games across all competitions. Away from home, they are particularly dangerous — Over 1.5 goals have been scored in 21 of their last 22 away matches, and they have found the net in 21 of those 22. Moreover, Over 0.5 goals at halftime has occurred in 20 of their last 21 away fixtures, underlining their tendency to start games aggressively.

Celje’s earlier victories in the group stage against AEK Athens, Shamrock Rovers, and Legia Warsaw demonstrate their ability to compete against strong European opposition. Although they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Sigma Olomouc in their last Conference League outing, their attacking depth and confidence remain high. The Slovenians will look to exploit Rijeka’s occasional defensive gaps, especially in transition, where their pace and direct play can be decisive.

Match Analysis and Tactical Overview

This fixture brings together two teams with contrasting European trajectories but similar ambitions. Rijeka have been dominant domestically but have yet to find their rhythm in Europe, while Celje have impressed with their attacking flair and consistency in front of goal. The Croatian side will rely on their home advantage and recent scoring form to push for their first group-stage win, while Celje’s confidence and offensive momentum make them a dangerous opponent.

Historically, these two clubs have not met in competitive fixtures, but Rijeka hold a psychological edge from past friendly encounters, having won six of their seven meetings. Still, Celje’s current form suggests they will not be intimidated. Their ability to score early and maintain pressure could challenge Rijeka’s defensive organization, especially if the hosts fail to control the midfield tempo.

Given both teams’ recent scoring patterns — Rijeka averaging over two goals per game domestically and Celje consistently finding the net in nearly every match — this contest is likely to produce several goal-scoring opportunities. The attacking intent from both sides, combined with their defensive vulnerabilities in European play, points toward an open and entertaining match.

HNK Rijeka vs NK Celje prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is Over 2.5 goals with a 51% probability.