Rijeka and Varaždin Celebrate Wins in UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round
Rijeka defeated Northern Ireland's Derry City 1-0 at Rujevica, while Varaždin overturned a deficit in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Czech side Jablonec.
Rijeka defeated Northern Ireland's Derry City 1-0 at Rujevica, while Varaždin overturned a deficit in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Czech side Jablonec.
Both Croatian representatives in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round secured favorable results in the first legs, building strong positions ahead of the return matches. HNK Rijeka beat Northern Irish side Derry City 1-0 at the Rujevica Stadium on Thursday, while NK Varaždin defeated Czech club Jablonec 3-2 in an exciting match featuring two comebacks, played in front of 3,580 spectators at their home ground.
Rijeka's first half ended goalless, but they ultimately secured victory with a goal from Toni Fruk, who was also named man of the match. Coach Matjaž Kek expressed satisfaction with his team's performance while acknowledging room for improvement.
"Our primary goal was to win this match. We had full control of the game. We executed our plan well, and the first objective is accomplished,"Kek told MaxSport. He specifically praised Fruk:
"He means a lot to the team. I love his mindset, and we have great respect for him."
Goal scorer Toni Fruk, now in his fourth season with Rijeka, emphasized that first matches are always challenging.
"We are satisfied-a win in such tough matches is crucial. I've been here for four seasons, and these opening games have always been very difficult for us, so it's important to win and head into the return leg with a positive result. We could have scored more, but we need to stay calm and be more patient in the final third, improving our final pass,"said the Croatian international. When asked if he had any doubts about advancing to the next round, Fruk was firm:
"None at all."
The match in Varaždin was far more dramatic. The hosts took the lead in the 24th minute through Iuri Tavares, who was set up by a brilliant pass from Ivan Canjuga, but Jablonec equalized just three minutes later via Martin Cedidla. The visitors turned the game around in the 56th minute with a goal from Tekijaski following a corner. Varaždin responded in the 68th minute, with Canjuga again providing the assist and Ivan Mamut heading home to make it 2-2. The final score of 3-2 was set by Luka Mamić in the 82nd minute, following a superb move initiated by Punčec, with Maglica's excellent movement earning the rebound.
Varaždin qualified for European competition by finishing third in the HNL last season. Jablonec, on the other hand, reached European tournaments via an unusual route: the Czech club finished fifth in their domestic league but secured a European spot as cup finalists. Karvina, who won the cup final (1-3), was excluded from competition due to match-fixing, and UEFA confirmed Karvina's removal from European play, thereby granting Jablonec the vacant spot.
The return leg between Rijeka and Derry City will be played in Northern Ireland, while Varaždin travels to Jablonec in the Czech Republic. If they advance, Varaždin would face the winner of the tie between Latvia's RFS and Iceland's Vestri in the next round, with RFS having won the first leg convincingly 4-1. Rijeka's fans provided strong support at Rujevica, something Kek especially highlighted:
"It was never in question that the fans would stand behind their club. You just have to earn it with will and desire. For me, it was wonderful to return to Rujevica."
