Rijeka loses 2-0 to Midtjylland in play-off

Rijeka lost 2-0 to Midtjylland in the first leg of the Conference League play-off in Herning. Goals for the hosts were scored by Gue‑Sung Cho in the 20th minute and Sofus Johannesen in the 48th minute. Rijeka will return to Rujevica on 27 August at 20:45 for the second leg.

First half

In Herning, Midtjylland applied immediate pressure. In the 20th minute, after a right‑side shot, Gue‑Sung Cho headed the ball into the net, giving the hosts a 1:0 lead. Rijeka created several chances afterward, but none converted. In the 48th minute, Sofus Johannesen, after entering the field, scored a precise shot to confirm the 2:0 victory. Rijeka had several opportunities, including Fruk’s shot in the 27th minute and Janković’s attempt in the 38th, but the goal did not materialize.

Second half and VAR checks

Midtjylland continued to press. In the 51st minute, after Iheanacho fell in the penalty area, the hosts requested a penalty, but VAR did not confirm it. In the 81st minute, the referee, assisted by VAR, checked a potential penalty after Oreč tackled a Midtjylland player; the check confirmed that the action was a foul. Rijeka successfully stopped a free‑kick from Billing in the 89th minute.

Substitutions and final details

Midtjylland substituted Osorio, while Rijeka brought in Ante Matej Jurić and Lasickas, and saw Fruk and Adu‑Adjei leave the field. Rijeka will return to Rujevica on 27 August at 20:45 for the second leg, where they will try to overturn the result.