HNK Rijeka is a top-tier Croatian football club based in the coastal city of Rijeka, competing in the Croatian Football League. Founded in 1946, the club plays its home matches at the iconic Stadion Rujevica, with their traditional colors being white and sky blue. Historically, Rijeka has often been the strongest club outside of the dominant Zagreb duo, Dinamo and Hajduk Split. The club's most glorious period came in the 1970s and 1980s within the former Yugoslav league, where they were consistent challengers and won the Yugoslav Cup in 1978 and 1979. In the modern Croatian era, Rijeka established itself as a powerhouse, culminating in a historic league title in the 2016-2017 season under coach Matjaž Kek, breaking a decade-long duopoly. That team, featuring players like Alexsandar Čavrić and Brazilian midfielder Héber, played an attractive, attacking style. While they have faced stronger competition recently, Rijeka remains a perennial contender for European spots and domestic cups. The club is renowned for its fervent fan base, known as the Armada, who create a vibrant and loud atmosphere, embodying the proud maritime spirit of the city.