Rijeka beats Rudeš 2-1 in HNL season opener

Rijeka secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Rudeš in the final match of the first round of the Croatian First Football League (HNL) at their home stadium on Rujevica.

Justas Lasickas opened the scoring for Rijeka in the 31st minute with a powerful shot inside the penalty area, following good combination play on the left wing. Daniel Adu-Adjei extended Rijeka's lead in the 62nd minute, showcasing his clinical finishing ability after a well-placed through ball. However, Rudeš managed to pull a goal back in the 70th minute through Stefan Vukić, who scored from a precise shot inside the box after a pass from a substitute, injecting some late-game uncertainty.

From the outset, Rijeka asserted control over the match, dominating possession while Rudeš struggled to get a foothold in the game. Rijeka had several early opportunities, including shots from Adu-Adjei and Devetak, but failed to convert them until Lasickas's breakthrough.

Rudeš had a couple of chances in the first half, notably from Poldrugač and Blagajić, but their efforts were either off-target or easily saved by Rijeka's goalkeeper Todorović. Despite Rudeš's late resurgence, Rijeka had further opportunities to increase their lead through Janković, whose shot hit the post and was later saved by the Rudeš goalkeeper Rogić.