HNK Rijeka edged past Derry City 1-0 in their Europa Conference League opener on Thursday at Stadion Rujevica, with Toni Fruk’s 52nd-minute strike sealing a narrow home win. The Croatians head to Northern Ireland next week with a slender lead after dominating possession but failing to turn that into a bigger advantage.

What happened in Rijeka?

Toni Fruk’s goal came on the assist of Branko Pavić, his strike arriving just hours before his wedding to Karla Bobić on Friday. Matjaž Kek’s side controlled the ball but could not convert their dominance into a more comfortable lead.

Substitutes Jurić and Rukavina came on in the second half, while Adu-Adjei and Gojak departed. Justas Lasickas entered in the 90+1st minute as heavy rain began to fall ahead of the final whistle.

Why this win matters for HNK Rijeka

The victory over Derry City books Rijeka’s place in the Europa Conference League third qualifying round. Should they advance, they would face the winner of the clash between Iceland’s Stjarnan and Finland’s Ilves Tampere.

Rijeka currently sit fourth in the HNL with 53 points from 36 games, on 14 wins, 11 draws and 11 losses. Their recent form reads one win and two draws from their last five matches, following a 2-0 win over Gorica on 23 May 2026.

How did the Northern Irish side perform?

Derry City showed they belong in the competition but could not trouble Rijeka’s defence, managing just five shots to the hosts’ 18. Lithuanian midfielder Justas Lasickas squandered multiple clear chances, including an unmarked header from a corner that sailed wide.

Those missed opportunities left the door ajar ahead of next week’s return leg.

What’s next for Rijeka?

The second leg takes place on Tuesday, 31 July 2026 at Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry, kicking off at 19:30 CET. Rijeka must approach the game with focus to secure their place in the next round.

A narrow away defeat would still send them into the Europa Conference League third qualifying round draw, where the winner between Stjarnan and Ilves Tampere awaits.