Rijeka hosts Finnish Ilves on Thursday in the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round. Coach Matjaž Kek urges caution, while midfielder Branko Pavić believes in victory with fan support.
Rijeka's footballers face a new European test on Thursday, August 6, 2026. At Rujevica, they will host Finnish side Ilves from Tampere at 8:45 PM in the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round. The Whites are favorites after advancing past Derry City with two wins in the previous round, but experienced coach Matjaž Kek warns that there are no easy opponents in Europe.
Kek emphasized the specifics of European qualifiers at the press conference on August 5. "Every European match in the qualifiers has its own rules and things you have to be careful about, details that can swing the tie one way or the other. This tie will last at least 180 minutes," Kek told Novi list.
The Rijeka coach also commented on the Finnish camp's statements: "The very emphasis by Ilves that they are different on their artificial turf suggests a more closed approach tonight. But at Rujevica, Rijeka must first have their say, and we have to show and prove that."
Kek further explained his expectations for Index.hr. "Every European match in the qualifiers carries its own rules and things you have to be ready for, details that can take the game in one direction or another. At Rujevica, Rijeka also has something to prove, and it's up to us to show it," he said.
He also recalled the recent domestic match: "I already said on Sunday after Rudeš that some things didn't sit well with me. Ilves have experience, they know how to defend and break out in transition. They have their recognizable style, and we'll need to be focused and determined. We have to keep the tempo; this is Europe, and there's no room for mistakes."
The Finns, as he pointed out, have already been successful twice in Europe. "They are very well-drilled, they have their 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 support of our fans and our 100% effort, 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 are a good team, and every team at this stage is quality. They are physically strong, and we know it will be difficult."
