HNK Rijeka lost the first leg of their Europa Conference League playoff 2-0 away to Danish side Midtjylland. According to a report by Net.hr, goals from Cho Gue-Sung and Sofus Johannesen in the 22nd and 49th minutes respectively have left the Croatian club with a significant deficit to overturn in the return leg on August 27.
How did the match in Herning unfold?
The home side took control from the outset. The first clear chance resulted in a goal in the 22nd minute when Cho Gue-Sung headed in from a Franculino cross from the right. Rijeka came close to an equaliser in the 39th minute with a Marko Janković shot that went just wide of the post. The second half started poorly for the visitors. Sofus Johannesen capitalised on a defensive misjudgement in the 49th minute and scored precisely to make it 2:0. Rijeka created several opportunities later on, including attempts from Frane Ćubelić and Davor Jurić, but failed to reduce the deficit. Manager Matjaž Kek took a risk by starting Toni Fruk, who was recently recovering from an ankle injury.
What were the starting lineups?
Matjaž Kek fielded the following eleven: Todorović - Oreč, Barco, Majstorović, Devetak - Ćubelić, Pavić, Dantas - Fruk, Adu-Adjei, Janković. Croatian international Martin Erlić was left on the bench, with his place in defence taken by Sigmann-Jensen. Midtjylland played with Ólafsson in goal and Cho and Franculino up front. Kek made several changes during the match, introducing Puljić, Gojak, Kabadayi, Jurić, and Lasickas in an attempt to change the game's dynamics.
What awaits Rijeka at Rujevica?
The second leg will be played on Tuesday, August 27, with kick-off at 20:45. Rijeka will need to win by at least two clear goals to progress directly, or win by one goal to force extra time. The squad is fully available and without injury concerns for this match, which is positive news. A review of all upcoming fixtures, including those in the HNL, is available on our fixtures page. The current squad and player statistics can be found in our team overview.
What is the state of play in European qualification?
Rijeka reached the playoff stage after victories over Derry City and Finnish side Ilves. Midtjylland moved to the Conference League from the Europa League after a defeat to Turkish side Beşiktaş in the second qualifying round, before then eliminating Irish side Bohemians. This match was the first European meeting between the two clubs. For Rijeka, this is an opportunity to return to the group stage of a European competition after several seasons, which would represent a significant financial and sporting step forward. The current HNL standings can be followed on the league table page.
The officiating team for the match in Herning came from Hungary, with Balázs Berke as the head referee. Although the result is difficult, Rijeka has a chance to put things right in front of their own fans. Everything will depend on concentration, attacking aggression, and the ability to take the first chances that come their way.
