Rijeka celebrated at Rujevica, but Kek knows: chances must not be wasted
Janković's masterful strike secured victory against Ilves, but Rijeka missed several clear opportunities for a more convincing lead ahead of the return leg in Finland.
Janković's masterful strike secured victory against Ilves, but Rijeka missed several clear opportunities for a more convincing lead ahead of the return leg in Finland.
Rijeka's footballers secured a victory in the first match of the third qualifying round for the Conference League. At Rujevica this evening, they defeated Finnish side Ilves from Tampere 1-0. Although Rijeka dominated for most of the match and created numerous clear chances, they take only a minimal lead to Finland.
The hosts took the lead in the 17th minute of the match. Janković received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and struck a precise shot into the far corner of the net, sparking celebrations at Rujevica. It was a moment of inspiration in a match where Rijeka imposed their rhythm from the very start. As early as the second minute, Devetak crossed to Fruk, but his header lacked power.
Just ten minutes after the goal, Pavić hit the post with a shot from 20 meters, after the ball rebounded to him in a scramble in front of Ilves' goal. In the 36th minute, Rijeka had three consecutive chances in the same attack. Janković first shot from seven meters at goalkeeper Krkalić, and then the rebounds from Fruk and Gojak were blocked. Two minutes later, Dantas fired over the goal from a first-time effort following a brilliant move by Fruk.
In the second half, Rijeka continued to control possession, but clear chances were significantly fewer. In the 49th minute, Barco received a yellow card for fouling Bamba in a transition attempt, which was Rijeka's second booking of the match. The Finns were reduced to ten men in the 74th minute when Kanga received a yellow card for a foul on Vignat.
Coach Matjaž Kek brought on Vignat for Fruk at halftime, and in the 70th minute, Lasickas and Puljić replaced Dantas and Adu-Adjei. Three minutes before the end, Rukavina came on for Devetak. In the 80th minute, Oreč threatened dangerously from distance, but Krkalić made a fine save. A minute later, the Ilves goalkeeper also stopped Janković's long-range effort.
In the pre-match press conference, Rijeka coach Matjaž Kek emphasized the importance of concentration. "Every European match in the qualifiers has its own rules and things you need to be prepared for, details that can swing the match one way or another. At Rujevica, Rijeka is being tested, and it's up to us to prove ourselves. Ilves is a very well-drilled team with their own style and way of playing. There is no mediocrity in Europe. 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 hit on the counter. They have their recognizable style, and we'll need to be focused and determined. We must keep the tempo; this is Europe, and there's no room for mistakes," said Kek.
On the other side, Ilves coach Camilo Speranza, a Uruguayan with Spanish citizenship, stated: "We are very pleased to have reached the third qualifying round of the Conference League, where a very quality opponent and an interesting match await us. Rijeka has talented players, a lot of quality, and is a well-organized team. We came here to make things difficult for them and to compete. We respect the opponent, but we fear no one."
The return leg will be played in Finland, and the winner of this tie will face the better side from the clash between Irish side Bohemians and Danish side Midtjylland in the play-off round. Rijeka advanced past Northern Irish side Derry City in the second qualifying round. The only absence for Rijeka this evening was Teo Barišić, who was not in the squad due to injury. The main referee for the match was Ishmael Barbara from Malta, and the match was broadcast live on RTL television.
