Midtjylland on the Brink of the Play-offs: Rijeka Faces a Danish Machine Worth €107 Million
The Danes only need a home confirmation against Bohemians to advance, while Rijeka first faces a tough away trip to Ilves in Finland.
The Danes only need a home confirmation against Bohemians to advance, while Rijeka first faces a tough away trip to Ilves in Finland.
Danish side Midtjylland have taken a major step towards the Conference League play-offs, where they could meet the better side from the Rijeka and Finnish Ilves tie. In the first leg of the third qualifying round, played in Dublin, they defeated Irish side Bohemians 2-0.
Goals for the visitors came from Franculino in the 28th minute and Andreasen in the 77th minute, whose free-kick goal was reminiscent of Niko Janković's strike. Croatian centre-back Martin Erlić did not feature for the Danish team, as he was serving a suspension following his red card in the second leg of the Europa League second qualifying round against Beşiktaş. The Turkish club won that match 3-0, redirecting Midtjylland to the Conference League.
Reaching the league phase of this competition represents only a consolation prize for Midtjylland, whose squad is valued at €107.75 million according to Transfermarkt. Last season, they left a much deeper mark in Europe. From the second qualifying round, they advanced to the Europa League league phase, where they recorded six wins, one draw, and one defeat in eight matches. With 19 points, they finished third and directly qualified for the round of 16.
In the first leg of the round of 16, they celebrated a 1-0 away win at Nottingham Forest, but in the return leg at home, they were defeated 1-2 after extra time, eventually being eliminated on penalties. They capped off a successful season by winning the Danish Cup and finishing as runners-up in the league.
The team is now led by Danish coach Mike Tullberg, who previously worked at Borussia Dortmund. Last season, he took charge of the first team for three matches before Niko Kovač was appointed head coach. Tullberg has included six internationals in the squad, including Denil Castillo, an Ecuadorian international with a World Cup appearance.
Beni Junior, a 21-year-old left-back from Ivory Coast, did not hide his satisfaction after the victory in Dublin. "I'm happy about my first start for Midtjylland," he said, adding: "It wasn't easy, especially for me because I'm new to the team. I know I can do more, but it will take time. The most important thing is that we secured this valuable win; the club wants to play in European competitions. Now we need to confirm this success with a home victory."
The Conference League play-off dates are scheduled for August 20 and 27, 2026. Midtjylland have done the bulk of the work, but Rijeka hope to join them in the decisive matches for a place in the league phase, which brings six new matches. However, Kek's side first face a tough task in Finland against Ilves, who have proven to be a serious team.
If they advance, the Whites will need to pull off a feat greater than the one against Stuttgart. The value of a team or players according to Transfermarkt rarely tells the whole story, and behind the Danish club stands Anders Holch Povlsen, the richest man in Denmark. Rijeka must first prevent an upset in Finland, then try to work a miracle against a football giant from Herning, a town otherwise known for handball.
