Rijeka booked their place in the next round of the Croatian Cup with a convincing 4-1 victory over Karlovac at the Stadion Branko Čavlović-Čavlek on 21 October 2026. The top-flight visitors produced a professional performance, absorbing an early scare before taking control and pulling away in the second half.

Match overview

Karlovac entered the cup tie as underdogs but showed no signs of intimidation in the opening exchanges, pressing high and looking to disrupt Rijeka’s rhythm. That approach briefly paid off when the hosts levelled the score, but Rijeka’s superior quality and depth eventually told. The visitors dominated possession after the break and added two more goals to turn a competitive contest into a comfortable win.

The result extends Rijeka’s strong cup form and keeps their hopes of a deep run alive, while Karlovac can take encouragement from a spirited display in front of their home supporters. For Rijeka, the priority now shifts to the next round draw, where they will be eager to avoid an away trip to another top-division side.

Key moments

• 11th minute – Rijeka open the scoring: Toni Fruk found space on the edge of the box and curled a low effort into the bottom corner after a patient build-up.
• 24th minute – Karlovac equalise: Luka Pavlović capitalised on a loose ball in the penalty area and fired past the goalkeeper to send the home crowd into raptures.
• 39th minute – Rijeka regain the lead: Niko Janković restored order with a well-timed run into the box, converting from close range after a cross from the right.
• 63rd minute – Rijeka make it 3-1: Komnen Andrić rose highest at the back post to head home a corner, giving the visitors breathing room.
• 82nd minute – Rijeka seal the win: Substitute Ivan Lepinjica completed the scoring with a composed finish on the counter-attack, slotting past the goalkeeper after being played through one-on-one.

Tactical story

Rijeka set up with a measured possession game, using their wide players to stretch Karlovac’s back line and create space between the lines. The hosts initially defended in a compact mid-block, looking to spring quick counter-attacks through Pavlović and their energetic midfield. That plan worked for the first half-hour, but Rijeka’s sustained pressure and superior ball circulation gradually wore Karlovac down.

After the interval, Rijeka increased the tempo and pushed their full-backs higher, pinning Karlovac deep. The third goal from a set piece was a reward for their dominance, and the fourth arrived as the home side pushed forward in search of a route back into the game. Karlovac’s goalkeeper made several sharp saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but the gap in quality ultimately proved decisive.

Standout performers

Toni Fruk was at the heart of Rijeka’s best attacking moves, combining neat link-up play with a constant goal threat. Niko Janković’s energy and movement caused problems throughout, while Komnen Andrić’s aerial presence gave the visitors a reliable outlet. For Karlovac, Luka Pavlović’s goal capped a tireless performance, and their goalkeeper deserved credit for a string of saves that prevented a heavier defeat.

What the result means

Rijeka move into the hat for the next round of the Croatian Cup with confidence intact, having negotiated a potentially tricky away fixture without serious alarm. The win also gives their squad valuable minutes ahead of a busy league schedule. Karlovac, meanwhile, will return to domestic league duties with renewed belief, having matched their higher-ranked opponents for long spells before Rijeka’s quality told in the final third.