Rijeka Face Finns for a Spot in the Group Stage
Matjaž Kek's side hosts Ilves in the third qualifying round of the Conference League, with Rijeka entering as the clear favorites.
Matjaž Kek's side hosts Ilves in the third qualifying round of the Conference League, with Rijeka entering as the clear favorites.
Rijeka's footballers continue their journey toward the Conference League group stage. After eliminating Derry City with two narrow 1:0 victories, they now face Finnish side Ilves in the third qualifying round. Although this is a club from a less football-attractive environment, coach Matjaž Kek cannot afford to let his team relax.
The first leg will be played at Rujevica, and fans who won't be at the stadium can watch it on television. The match will be broadcast by RTL television, making it accessible to all viewers.
The Finnish representative has not been shining in their domestic league this season. After 18 rounds, Ilves sits in ninth place, a full 17 points behind league leaders KuPS. Their form over the last five matches has also been inconsistent, with two wins, two losses, and a draw.
However, the Finns showed character in the previous qualifying round. Despite struggling against Icelandic side Stjarnan, they eventually advanced after a penalty shootout. That fact alone is reason enough for Rijeka not to underestimate their opponent, regardless of their clear favorite status.
The favorite's role is confirmed by the betting odds. Rijeka's win in the first leg at Rujevica is priced at just 1.13, while a victory for the Finnish visitors is offered at 19.0. Such a forecast clearly indicates expectations, but in football, everything must be confirmed on the pitch, and Matjaž Kek will surely demand maximum seriousness to ensure a smooth passage past this hurdle.
