Lokomotiv Zagreb and Rijeka meet at Stadion Kranjčevićeva, in a match for the 2nd round of 1. HNL. The record of direct confrontations at this stadium is favorable to the visiting team, which in the last 13 matches won 8 and lost 5. But the last time they met at this stadium was on 01‑02‑2020, for 1. HNL, which ended with the victory of Lokomotiv Zagreb by (2‑1). Lirim Kastrati I (45 ‘and 71’) scored the goals of the match, for Lokomotiv Zagreb, and S. Lončar (86 ‘), for Rijeka. Particular attention is needed for the home / away condition, as both teams present significantly different results at home and away.
Lokomotiv Zagreb :
The home team comes to this 2 nd round after a loss in their league debut, against Dinamo Zagreb, by (6‑0). This is a stronger team with the support of its fans, since in the last 30 games it has registered 5 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses as a visitor; against 11 victories, 2 draws and 2 defeats in his stadium. In the last 10 home matches for all competitions, Lokomotiv Zagreb won 8, drew 1 and lost 1. The team allowed goals to the opponent in 9 of the last 10 matches, so their defense needs to improve, But their attack has scored regularly, having scored goals in 8 of the last 10 games. In 15 games, they conceded the first goal 7 times, but got the comeback in 3.
The local team started the championship in the worst possible way, as they suffered a defeat. For this game, the keyword is recovery, for which you need to evolve from the previous game and change the necessary pieces for this game at home. It is also important to be effective in attack and improve your defensive system, which suffered six goals in the debut. It will be a complicated duel, in which the team will depend on the improvement and determination of its athletes to turn around and forget the first game.
Rijeka :
The away team comes to this 2 nd round after a win in their league debut, against Šibenik by (2‑1). This is a stronger team with the support of its fans, since in the last 30 games it has registered 7 victories, 2 draws and 6 losses as a visitor, with 22 goals scored and 20 suffered; against 13 victories, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their stadium, with 37 goals scored and 14 suffered. In the last 10 away matches for all competitions, Rijeka won 3, drew 2 and lost 5. Their defense has not been very strong, since they have conceded goals in 7 of the last 10 matches, but their attack has scored with consistency, as they have scored goals in 8 of the last 10 games. In their home matches there is a tendency for goals, since 13 of the last 19 matches have ended with Over 2,5 goals. In 13 matches, they have conceded the first goal 6 times, but have come back in 2. There is 1 period that stands out in the last 19 away matches for all competitions: they have conceded 8 of their 22 goals between minutes (76’ ‑ 90 ‘ ).
Rijeka made their debut in the Croatian championship with a victory. The team only achieved victory at home in the final minutes of the match. For this game you want to keep winning to stay on top of the leaderboard. He is facing a rival who has suffered many goals and must take advantage of it to seek victory. Despite playing away from home, the team must prevail in search of a good result. It is important to act with patience, taking advantage of the mistakes of your rival.
PREDICTION: Rijeka to win @ 1,60
