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Rijeka vs Derry City: prediction and odds

Europe Conference League · Europe · 23 July 2026
Rijeka logoRijeka
1:0
1st half: 0:0
23.07.2026 19:45
Derry City logoDerry City

Match events

Ante Oreč🟨
7′
Toni Fruk1:0
52′
Daniel Adu Adjei🟨
59′

Match statistics: Rijeka vs Derry City

RijekaDerry City
71Ball possession, %29
16Shots3
3Shots on target1
13Corners4
13Fouls3
2Offsides0
2Yellow cards0
0Red cards0
152Attacks72
99Dangerous attacks32

💡 Match preview Rijeka vs Derry City

In the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, Croatian side Rijeka will host Irish outfit Derry City at their home ground. The home status makes the hosts clear favorites, while the visitors will look to impose themselves through superior match fitness. The central intrigue lies in the clash between well-rested Croatians and Irish players who are deep into their season.

Tactical Analysis: Rijeka – Impeccable Preseason and Favorites' Status

In the previous Croatian league campaign, Rijeka finished fourth, amassing 53 points from 36 rounds: 14 wins, 11 draws, and 11 losses, with a goal difference of 49:36. Ahead of the new season, the team played four friendly matches, defeating solid Slovenian sides Bravo (2:1) and Radomlje (2:0), as well as comfortably dispatching clear underdogs Grosuplje (3:0) and Jadran Dekani (2:0). The Croatians demonstrated their ability to consistently achieve results against opponents of any caliber, and such statistics speak to their excellent tactical preparation for European competition.

This is Rijeka's first match of the current Conference League campaign, so the team is just beginning its journey on the international stage. During the off-season, management worked actively to retain the core squad and make targeted reinforcements: the key acquisition is 23-year-old attacking midfielder Ivan Čubelić, who arrived from Slaven Belupo. This newcomer is intended to add creativity in the center of the pitch, and he has already honed his chemistry with teammates during training camps. There are no serious injuries in the Croatian camp, and the coaching staff can field an optimal starting eleven.

Tactical Analysis: Derry City – Match Fitness and Defensive Issues

The Irish Premier Division is in full swing, and Derry City sits 6th out of 10 teams after 25 rounds, with 29 points: 6 wins, 11 draws, and 8 losses, and a goal difference of 32:31. In their last five domestic matches, the club secured two wins against underdogs Drogheda United (2:0) and Tolka (3:0), drew with league leaders Shamrock Rovers (1:1), but lost to mid-table sides Waterford United (2:4) and Galway United (1:2). The Irish side effectively dominates weaker opponents but systematically makes defensive errors when facing higher-class rivals.

Derry City entered the Conference League after being eliminated from the Europa League qualifiers, where they narrowly lost to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, going down 2:3 away and 1:2 at home. In those matches, the Irish team showed character in attack but could not contain the sustained pressure of a more experienced opponent. Key players are fit, there are no injured leaders in the squad, and the team is fully assembled and ready to fight on the European stage.

Predicted Lineups

Rijeka (4-3-3): Posavec; Smolčić, Galešić, Krešić, Goda; Selahi, Pavičić, Čubelić; Janković, Obregon, Marić.

Derry City (4-2-3-1): Maher; Boyce, Connolly, McEleney, Doherty; Diallo, O'Reilly; Duffy, Patching, McMullan; Hoban.

Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero (Spain)

The referee adheres to a fairly strict style of officiating, not allowing players to cross the line into roughness. Over his career, he averages 4.65 yellow cards, 0.32 red cards, and awards 0.27 penalties per match. He has also been involved in European competition matches – 10 games, 48 yellow cards (4.8 per match), and 7 penalty kicks awarded.

Prediction and Bet

Main prediction: Rijeka -1.5 handicap at odds of 1.60

The difference in class between the Croatian and Irish leagues is immediately apparent, making the hosts' advantage seem entirely natural. Rijeka breezed through their July training camp, winning all four friendly matches, three of them by a margin of two goals. Derry City, on the other hand, is in a slump, as evidenced by three losses in their previous four matches. Given the disparity in player quality and the Irish side's defensive frailties, we expect a confident victory for the Croatian club. A bet on Rijeka -1.5 handicap at odds of 1.60 looks like the most reliable choice. We assess the probability of this outcome at 68% (anything above 1.55 is playable).

Total goals prediction: In their friendly matches, Rijeka showed outstanding scoring form, averaging more than two goals per game. Meanwhile, Derry City regularly suffers defensive collapses: in their last four matches, the club conceded at least three goals twice – 2:4 against Waterford United and 2:3 against CSKA Sofia. With the support of their home fans, the hosts are obliged to convert their overwhelming dominance into goals. We take a bet on Rijeka's individual total over 2.5 goals at odds of 2.00. We assess the probability of this event at 55% (anything above 1.85 is playable).

Match odds Rijeka vs Derry City

Result (1X2)

X7.411.13221

Double chance

1X1X25.55121.07

Both teams to score

No1.43Yes2.58

Over

21.2231.9143.657.61.51.142.51.593.52.394.54.335.58.3

Under

23.6431.7641.2151.031.54.52.52.33.51.464.51.155.51.02

Handicap 1

-11.17-21.86-33.45-47.4-1.51.49-2.52.3-3.54.2-4.58.2

Handicap 2

14.0521.8731.2341.031.52.332.51.53.51.164.51.02

Correct score

0:017.250:1361:06.11:112.752:04.952:19.92:2413:05.653:1123:2464:08.54:117.755:015.755:1336:034

Predictions for Rijeka vs Derry City

KI Kelechi Idris Handicap 1 (-2.5)odds 2.30 Lost

I see the Croatian side as clearly the stronger team here, and the home advantage only adds to that. They’ve been flawless in July, winning all four friendlies, most by a comfortable two-goal margin. In contrast, Derry City is in a real slump, having lost three of their last four matches. The gap in quality is obvious, and I expect the hosts to win with authority.

EA Emeka Adewale Both teams to score — Yesodds 2.43 Lost

I'm confident that both teams will take enough corner kicks today. Their attacking styles and the flow of the match should generate plenty of set-piece opportunities from each side.

YE Yemi Emenike Result: 1odds 1.13 Won

I spent a long time searching for a reliable forecaster—went through over a dozen cappers before I finally found someone truly competent. I've been working with him for a month now, and we've taken 18 exact-score bets so far. Every single one hit perfectly.

FO Funke Oladipo Both teams to score — Yesodds 2.43 Lost

I expect a high-scoring match with both teams finding the back of the net.

WA Wale Anyanwu Team 1 over 2odds 1.38 Lost

I am backing Rijeka to score over 2 goals against Derry City at odds of 1.38. I expect them to net two or three goals, as their attack is strong enough to cover this line with confidence.

SO Sani Okonkwo Handicap 1 (-2)odds 1.74 Lost

Rijeka will handle Derry City with ease. The gap in class between these two sides is significant, and they have the home advantage to prove it. Derry City might be solid domestically, but they lack the European pedigree and quality that Rijeka consistently brings to these qualifiers.

I’m confident Rijeka wins this comfortably. They have the tactical discipline and individual quality to dominate possession and create numerous chances. Expect a multi-goal margin that puts this tie to bed early.

CA Chukwuma Adamu Handicap 2 (2)odds 1.97 Won

I expect there to be at least a few goals in this match, so I'm confidently betting on the over.

TS Temitope Suleiman Handicap 1 (-1)odds 1.14 Void

I expect Rijeka to dominate the Croatian championship, as they are always at the top. I'm confident they will deliver a decisive victory.

DA Deborah Adewale Handicap 2 (1.5)odds 2.46 Won

Derry City proved their quality in both legs against CSKA Sofia, losing narrowly 2-3 and 1-2. They scored first in the return leg, hit the post, and only conceded the winner deep into stoppage time from an own goal. Rijeka are the stronger side and should win at home, but this is their first competitive match of the season. I expect the visitors to keep the tie alive and lose by no more than one goal.

DA Daniel Abdullahi Handicap 1 (-2.5)odds 2.23 Lost

I am confident Rijeka will win by at least three goals. Their home advantage and superior quality make the -2.5 handicap a strong bet. Expect a dominant performance from start to finish.

DO Daniel Onyeka Yellow cards: Over 4.5odds 2.40 Lost

I predict the teams will play aggressively as usual, leading to a high number of cards. The physical style of play is consistent, so expect plenty of bookings.

DY Dele Yusuf Handicap 1 (-2)odds 1.84 Lost

Rijeka is a proven European competitor from Croatia, and I'm backing them to continue that tradition. They consistently punch above their weight in qualifiers and group stages, driven by tactical discipline and home advantage. This season, their squad depth and experience in continental play give them a clear edge over less seasoned opponents. I expect them to advance and make a strong run.

KI Kelechi Igwe Handicap 1 (-2.5)odds 2.33 Lost

I confidently predict that Rijeka will win this match in dominant fashion. They are the clear leader and will secure a comfortable victory with a rout.

SI Sunday Igwe Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.38 Lost

I confidently predict that Rijeka will attack from the very first minute against Derry City. They are playing at home with a stronger squad and will want to press early, aiming for a quick goal to take control of the tie. This aggressive approach is typical of their style when they sense an advantage.

EN Emmanuel Nwosu Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.38 Lost

I'm confident that by the midway point of the first half, two goals will already be on the board. The teams are known for fast starts and aggressive pressing, and recent form suggests they won't waste time testing the goalkeepers. This bet hinges on early attacking intensity, which has been a clear pattern in their last few matches.

GO Gloria Ogundipe Over 3.5odds 2.44 Lost

I'm confident that Rijeka and Derry City will combine for plenty of goals today. Both teams are in strong attacking form, and defensive gaps on either side should lead to a high-scoring match. I'm betting on over 2.5 goals.

OB Obinna Bello Over 2.5odds 1.60 Lost

I'm confident that Rijeka will dominate this match and score three goals, securing a convincing win and advancing to the next round. Their attacking form and defensive solidity make this outcome a clear bet.

Match poster

Rijeka vs Derry City — odds

❓ Frequently asked questions

When and where is the Rijeka vs Derry City match taking place?

The match is scheduled for July 23, 2026, at 19:45, and will be played at Rijeka's home ground.

What is the main prediction and bet for this match?

The main prediction is a Rijeka -1.5 handicap win at odds of 1.60, reflecting their expected dominant performance.

Who is the favorite in this Conference League match?

Rijeka are clear favorites due to their home advantage, excellent preseason form, and the quality gap between the Croatian and Irish leagues.

How are the teams in terms of recent form and fitness?

Rijeka had an impeccable preseason, winning all four friendlies, while Derry City are in a slump with three losses in their last four matches, despite being deeper into their season.

Are there any key injuries or suspensions for either team?

According to the analysis, there are no serious injuries in either squad, and both teams can field their optimal starting lineups.