HNK Rijeka wins Conference League qualifier; Rudeš hosts Osijek

HNK Rijeka secured a 1-0 victory against Finnish side Ilves in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round. Niko Janković scored the decisive goal in the 16th minute at Rujevica. Despite the win, coach Matjaž Kek expressed concerns regarding player fitness, noting injuries to Toni Fruk and Tiago Dantas. Rijeka will face Ilves in the second leg in Finland, with a potential matchup against Midtjylland in the playoffs if they advance.

In the Croatian SuperSport HNL, NK Rudeš is preparing to host NK Osijek at the Gradski Stadion in Velika Gorica, as the club will use this venue for their home matches this season. Rudeš coach Alen Peternac expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete following their recent performance against Rijeka. Meanwhile, Osijek enters the match seeking to build on their strong start to the season.