Janković's Goal Secures Rijeka Victory
Rijeka defeated Finnish side Ilves 1-0 at Rujevica in the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round, with fans marking the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm.
Rijeka defeated Finnish side Ilves 1-0 at Rujevica in the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round, with fans marking the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm.
Rijeka's footballers have taken a significant step towards securing a spot in the Conference League play-offs. In the first leg of the third qualifying round at Rujevica, they defeated Finnish side Ilves from Tampere 1-0. The hero of the evening was Niko Janković, whose goal in the 16th minute decided the match.
Although Rijeka set the pace from the start and dominated possession, the first serious chance fell to the visitors. In the 10th minute, the Finns won a free kick in a promising position. Wallius struck powerfully from 18 meters, but Todorović managed to block his effort and avert the danger.
The home side took the warning seriously and quickly responded in the best possible way. Fruk and Dantas combined on the left flank, the ball reached Janković, who opted for a shot from the edge of the penalty area. His precise strike nestled into the top left corner, leaving goalkeeper Krkalić with no chance, sparking delirium in the stands.
Rijeka could and should have increased their lead before the break. In the 26th minute, Pavić hit the woodwork, and just nine minutes later, in the same move, attempts from Janković, Fruk, and Gojak followed in quick succession-Krkalić first made a save, and then a Finnish block stopped another shot. In the 37th minute, Dantas fired from 12 meters but sent the ball over the crossbar.
In stoppage time of the first half, Ilves threatened from a corner, but Vaisanen's header went wide. The second half brought calmer play and fewer thrills. Rijeka threatened mostly from distance-Gojak shot from about 20 meters, and in the 80th minute, Krkalić saved Oreč's effort. Two minutes later, the goalkeeper from Sarajevo also denied another attempt by Janković.
Rijeka missed their best chance to make it 2-0 in stoppage time. Rukavina broke down the right flank and crossed into the box, where Majstorović got a touch, but Krkalić was once again equal to the task. The return leg will be played in Finland in a week's time.
The match at Rujevica also carried special emotional weight. It was played the day after the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm, and Rijeka's supporters' group Armada ensured the occasion was duly marked. Alongside a series of patriotic fan chants, they unfurled a banner with the message: "What is defended with blood, is not easily surrendered."
