Rijeka — Sparta Prague : Match Preview and Prediction for October 23,2025

Rijeka’s Current Form and Tactical Shift

The Croatian champions are admittedly not in their best form heading into this fixture. A 0-1 defeat to Armenian side Noah in the opening round and their seventh-place standing in the national league are figures that might not inspire immediate optimism. However, it’s crucial to delve deeper than superficial observations to understand their true situation.

The team is now led by a new coach, Victor Sanchez, who is actively rebuilding their play and implementing his tactical vision. The players themselves acknowledge that it took time to adapt to the new demands, but they sense palpable progress. Sanchez openly states his ambition to dominate possession and leverage the vibrant energy of the home crowd.

Home Advantage and Key Factors for Rijeka

This, indeed, is Rijeka’s primary asset. The Rujevica Stadium is expected to be almost completely full. Sanchez himself, having played here as an opponent, experienced firsthand the fervent support of the fans for their team. These aren’t mere platitudes; it’s a genuine pressure factor that has unsettled many visiting teams. Furthermore, Rijeka has remained unbeaten in 15 of their last 20 home matches, highlighting their strength on home turf.

Admittedly, there’s a significant setback with the suspension of Niko Janković, a pivotal player. However, in European competitions, every player is eager to seize their opportunity. Moreover, heavy rain is forecast, which could neutralize any class disparity and transform the game into a gritty battle where character, rather than refined tactics, will prevail.

Sparta Prague’s Away Struggles and Recent Performance

The Czech club undoubtedly presents a formidable appearance on paper. They are league leaders and secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers in the first round of this competition. Yet, all this prowess seems to dissipate once Sparta ventures outside of Prague.

Coach Brian Priske himself is sounding the alarm. He openly admits that his team is “not real” on the road this season. According to him, Sparta has already dropped points in five away matches across the league and European competitions. This isn’t a mere coincidence; it’s a recurring pattern. Recent results corroborate this: a goalless draw with second-to-last placed Slovacko and a 1-1 draw in the derby against Slavia.

Sparta Prague: Significant Squad Issues

However, Sparta’s primary concern lies in their personnel losses. Their infirmary is overflowing with key players. Injured captain and one of their attacking leaders, Lukáš Haraslín, will be absent. Midfield dynamo Lukáš Sadílek, who contributed a goal and an assist in the first round, is also sidelined. Additionally, defender Kobbo and midfielder Andersen are unavailable. These aren’t just rotational absences; these are fundamental components torn from the starting lineup, weakening the team across all departments.