HNK Rijeka is a professional football club located in Rijeka, Croatia. The club currently performs in the Prva HNL. The team’s greatest rivalry with Hajduk Split is known as Adriatic derby. The side’s tifosi are called Armada Rijeka.
The club was established in 1946 under the name of NK Kvarner. On June 3, 1954 it switched to its current name. In 1957 Rijeka became a member of the Yugoslav First League. However, ten years later the team suffered relegation after a spirited fight. In 1973 the club reclaimed its place in the top flight and sealed the Yugoslav Cup in 1978 and 1979. The 1980s were Rijeka’s greatest years as the team took part in UEFA competitions claiming giant-killing wins at Real Madrid and Juventus.
HNK Rijeka finished runners-up in the Prva HNL in 1999 and 2006. In 2004 and 2009 the club secured bronze medals of the Croatian championship. The team lifted two consecutive Croatian Cups in 2005 and 2006.
HNK Rijeka is currently captained by former Livorno and Juventus defender Dario Knežević.
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