Kek’s men last lost a match a year ago in a 3-0 defeat to NK Slaven Koprivnica. The match saw them eliminated from the Croatian Football Cup, even though they won the first leg 2-1. However, their next match marked the beginning of a 40-game undefeated streak.

HNK Rijeka have not lost once in the last 40 official matches (not counting friendlies and other non-competitive matches). They have racked up 30 wins and 10 draws since their last loss.

Kek’s men kept their undefeated streak alive despite having been eliminated from the Europa League qualifiers. They drew 0-0 and 2-2 against İstanbul Başakşehir; the Turkish side advanced on away goals.

21 wins and 5 draws in the Croatian First Football League
HNK Rijeka have notched up 21 wins and 5 draws in the Croatian First Football League. They currently sit atop the league table, four points clear of Dinamo Zagreb. Second-ranked Dinamo Zagreb are the only club who could catch them, as third-ranked Osijek are 21 points behind Rijeka. Rijeka will square off against Dinamo Zagreb at home on Saturday.

Mitja Lisjak; translated by D. V.