Rijeka's footballers visit Midtjylland on Thursday at 7 PM in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League playoff, with coach Matjaž Kek stating it's time for the team to show their European quality on the pitch.
Rijeka's footballers will visit Danish side Midtjylland on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 7 PM in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League playoff. After successfully overcoming their first two European opponents and opening the league season with a win, the Whites received a cold shower in Varaždin, making the Danish challenge an ideal opportunity for redemption.
Rijeka coach Matjaž Kek is aware of the task awaiting his team in Herning. At a press conference held at Rujevica, he stated that it was clear from the draw that a quality opponent awaited Rijeka.
"After the draw, it was clear that a quality opponent awaited us. After all the things that weren't good in Varaždin, we want to prepare the team as best as possible. We don't have any major injury concerns; players who were sidelined are slowly returning, so we'll see after training who we'll choose," said Kek.
The Slovenian expert emphasized that a new match comes quickly after the defeat, which he says is a good thing because it gives players a chance to correct their impression. He particularly highlighted the reaction of the Armada fan group after the match in Varaždin, calling it the biggest warning.
"The Armada's reaction after Varaždin must be the biggest warning, because so much positive energy pushing them forward is something to respect and think about, and only with that will we move forward. There's no room for complaining; we weren't at the level in Varaždin, and now we have a real European match ahead to see where we stand," Kek said.
Defender Ante Oreč also previewed the match from the team's perspective, noting that the Whites are ready and can't wait for the encounter. According to him, the Danish representative is the most quality opponent Rijeka has faced in Europe this season.
"We know a tough match awaits us, a good opponent, but this team has already shown it can play against quality opponents in Europe. We're ready and can't wait for the match. Midtjylland is more quality than previous European opponents; they have experience, play faster, are physically powerful, and we'll need to find a way to respond to that. We know what this match means to the club; we represent Croatian football and ourselves, and we want to show ourselves in the best light," said Oreč.
Unlike usual practice, Rijeka departed for Danish Herning on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the afternoon. All media obligations and the final training session were done at their Rujevica base, minimizing their stay in Denmark.
According to HRT, Rijeka faced similar logistical challenges as the Croatian handball team earlier this year. Immediately after the match, the team returns to Kvarner, where they face Istra 1961 in the domestic league on Sunday.
