Janković's Masterclass and Pavić's Woodwork: Rijeka Dominates
Rijeka completely outplayed Finnish side Ilves in the third qualifying round of the Conference League at Rujevica, taking a well-deserved lead into halftime.
Rijeka completely outplayed Finnish side Ilves in the third qualifying round of the Conference League at Rujevica, taking a well-deserved lead into halftime.
Rijeka's footballers played a fantastic first half against Finnish side Ilves from Tampere in the first leg of the third qualifying round for the Conference League. At the Rujevica stadium, the home side took control from the first minute and took a deserved lead, and could have scored more goals against the visitors.
The home team took the lead in the 17th minute according to Index.hr, or the 16th minute according to Net.hr, with Janković as the scorer. He received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and with a precise strike found the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Krkalić helpless, to make it 1:0. It was a moment of pure brilliance that delighted the fans at Rujevica.
Rijeka continued to press and in the 27th minute (Index.hr), or the 26th minute (Net.hr), came close to doubling their lead. Midfielder Branko Pavić unleashed a superb shot from 20 meters, but unfortunately for the home side, the ball struck the outside of the far post. The shot came after a brief scramble in the visitors' penalty area and was Rijeka's closest attempt after scoring.
Coach Matjaž Kek's team created chance after chance. As early as the 2nd minute, Fruk threatened after a cross from Devetak, but his header lacked power. In the 35th minute, Devetak again delivered a good cross to Adu-Adjei, whose header was caught by the goalkeeper under the crossbar. Just a minute later, Rijeka had three consecutive clear-cut chances: Janković shot at the goalkeeper from seven meters, and the rebounds from Fruk and Gojak were blocked. In the 38th minute, Dantas also missed a big opportunity, sending the ball over the goal from the edge of the box after a brilliant run by Fruk.
Despite dominating in attack, Rijeka had to remain cautious in defense. The Finns threatened in the 5th minute after a quick transition, but Barco cleared a dangerous cutback at the last moment from five meters out. In the 11th minute, Ilves had an uncomfortable free kick from 20 meters, but goalkeeper Todorović was alert and deflected the ball for a corner. Pavić received a yellow card in the 10th minute for a foul.
Ahead of the match, coach Kek emphasized the importance of concentration. "Every European qualifying match has its own rules and things you need to be prepared for, details that can swing the game one way or the other. At Rujevica, Rijeka has a say, and it's up to us to prove ourselves," Kek told Index.hr. His counterpart on the Ilves bench, Uruguayan coach Camilo Speranza, stated: "Rijeka has talented players, a lot of quality, and is a well-organized team. We came to make their job difficult and to compete."
Rijeka played this match without the injured Teo Barišić, and the referee was Ishmael Barbara from Malta. The winner of this tie will face the better team from the clash between Irish side Bohemians and Danish side Midtjylland in the play-off round.
