On Thursday, Rijeka plays the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round against Finland's Ilves. Coach Matjaž Kek urges caution, while Branko Pavić believes in a win with support from the stands.
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, Rijeka will host Finland's Ilves from Tampere at Rujevica at 8:45 PM in the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round. After two wins against Derry City in the previous round, the Whites are favorites, but Matjaž Kek warns that there are no easy opponents in Europe.
At the press conference on August 5, Kek highlighted the peculiarities of European qualifiers. "Every European qualifying match has its own dynamics and things you need to be wary of-details that can swing the tie one way or the other. This tie will last at least 180 minutes," Kek told Novi list.
Kek also addressed comments from the Finnish camp: "The very emphasis from Ilves that they are different on their artificial turf suggests a more closed approach tonight. But at Rujevica, Rijeka must have the first say, and that's something we need to show and prove."
Kek further elaborated on expectations for Index.hr: "Every European qualifying match carries its own rules and things you need to be ready for, plus details that can steer the game in one direction or another. At Rujevica, Rijeka also has questions to answer, and it's up to us to prove ourselves," he said.
He also recalled the domestic match: "I already said on Sunday after the Rudeš game that I wasn't pleased with some things. Ilves has experience; they know how to defend and hit on the transition. They have their recognizable style, and we'll need to be focused and decisive. We have to keep the tempo-this is Europe, and there's no room for correction."
The Finns, as he noted, have already been successful in Europe twice. "They are very well-drilled, with their own style and way of playing. There's no mediocrity in Europe," Kek concluded.
Alongside the coach, midfielder Branko Pavić also previewed the match. "We expect a tough and demanding game, but I believe that with the fans' support and a hundred percent effort from us, the Finns have no business at Rujevica," Pavić told Index.hr.
He added that the coaching staff has thoroughly analyzed the opponent: "We've analyzed the Finnish side; they're a good team, and every team at this stage is quality. They're physically strong, and we know it will be difficult."
