Rijeka Fans Unimpressed Despite Victory
Rijeka narrowly defeated Ilves 1:0 at Rujevica, but fans took to social media to express concerns over the team's performance and lack of investment.
Rijeka narrowly defeated Ilves 1:0 at Rujevica, but fans took to social media to express concerns over the team's performance and lack of investment.
In the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Conference League, Rijeka defeated Finnish side Ilves 1:0 at Rujevica. The only goal of the match came from Niko Janković in the 16th minute, but despite the win, fan reactions on social media were far from enthusiastic.
Janković struck from distance, beating Faris Krkalić, Ilves' goalkeeper and his former teammate from Dinamo. "My former colleague Faris Krkalić was pulling it out. I'm not satisfied; it should have been two or more goals because we deserved it," Janković told RTL after the match.
The scorer emphasized that the team was dominant and created chances, but the finishing was not up to par. "We created chances, but the goal wouldn't come. I hope it will be better in the second leg, that we'll score and win," he added.
This was Rijeka's third straight win in Europe, all with the identical scoreline of 1:0. Before Ilves, Rijeka had narrowly beaten Derry City twice in the second round. Additionally, Matjaž Kek's side has not conceded a goal in their last three matches, a feat Janković attributes to a winning mentality.
"We are a winning team. We have that winner's mindset. We hold back, and up front, someone always scores," said Janković, who also praised coach Kek, calling him "perfect."
Despite the positive result, fans expressed dissatisfaction with the displayed performance on social media. "Without Fruk, it all looks barren and harmless. Congratulations on the win," read one comment. Others wondered: "Do they practice scoring in training? Today there were too many missed chances again?"
Some fans also voiced concerns about the team's future. "I love you, Rijeka, but when the league starts properly, it's going to spiral downhill in every direction, I have a feeling," wrote one fan. Another directed a question to club owner Damir Mišković: "Does Miško plan to invest anything in the squad? Even Varaždin invests more than us... Sad."
Janković is aware that the return leg in Tampere on August 13 will be more challenging. "We expect Ilves to be different in the return leg. They play differently at home; they are more dominant there. We go there confidently and for the pass," he said.
Rijeka has shown in the past that they can handle the pressure of European away matches, and the positive result from Rujevica gives them a good starting position for advancing to the Conference League playoffs.
