Rijeka opens European season with win over Derry City HNK Rijeka started their European campaign in the Conference League second round with a 1-0 victory over Irish side Derry City. Toni Fruk scored the only goal in the 50th minute, giving Rijeka an advantage ahead of the return leg in Ireland. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in HNL, 53 pts, 14W-11D-11L from 36 games, recent form WDWWD. ## How did Rijeka secure the win? Rijeka controlled the match from the start, with Derry City's best chance coming in the 40th minute when captain Michael Duffy shot wide. In the second half, Branko Pavić played a ball to Daniel Adu-Adjei, and after a poor defensive reaction from the Irish side, the ball fell to Fruk, who scored from close range in the 50th minute. ## What does this mean for Rijeka? The win over Derry City moves Rijeka closer to the Conference League third round. The return leg will be played in a week in Ireland, with Rijeka holding a one-goal advantage. In the 2025 season, Rijeka finished 4th in the HNL with 53 points, and they will look to improve in the new season. ## What's next for Rijeka? Rijeka will now prepare for the return leg against Derry City in Ireland. Their last match of the 2025 season was against Istra 1961, and their next fixture in the new season is on February 13, 2027, at home against Istra 1961.