# Rijeka eliminated from Conference League by Midtjylland > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hnk-rijeka-202324-season-preparation > Updated: 2026-08-26T11:30:19.000Z. Sources: 65. Developments: 10. Rijeka’s UEFA Conference League campaign has come to an end following their playoff round exit against Danish side Midtjylland. After losing the first leg 2-0, Rijeka hosted the second leg at Rujevica, initially taking an early lead in the 4th minute through Daniel Adu-Adjei. However, Midtjylland responded quickly, with Stanley Iheanacho equalizing in the 17th minute. The match saw Rijeka defender Martin Erlić forced off due to injury in the 31st minute. The Danish side dominated the second half, scoring through Dario Osorio, Magnus Jensen, and Cho Gue-sung to secure a 4-1 victory on the night and a 6-1 aggregate win. Following the defeat, Rijeka manager Matjaž Kek acknowledged the disparity in competition, stating, “We are not at their level and it is not a shame to say,” while specifically citing the opponent's speed and efficiency on set pieces. Reports indicate that Midtjylland fans were involved in an incident following the match, an issue the club is currently discussing with local police and UEFA. Prior to the second leg, player Toni Fruk had expressed confidence in the club’s home advantage, noting, “At Rujevica, we are a different team.” Meanwhile, club president Damir Mišković has maintained that while the club is open to selling Fruk for approximately 10 million euros, there is “no immediate panic” regarding his transfer status this summer. ## Claims - Rijeka will play Derry City at Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium on Thursday as the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second‑qualifying round. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Varaždin defeated Rijeka 2-0 in a SuperSport HNL match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ivan Mamut scored both goals for Varaždin. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The first goal was scored by Mamut in the 20th minute. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Coach Matjaž Kek said the team must show character and guard the advantage. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The second goal was a penalty scored in the 31st minute. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Rijeka's Puljić hit the post in the 74th minute. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Rijeka fans (Armada) arrived 29 minutes late due to highway congestion and police intervention. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Rijeka hold a 1‑0 advantage from the first leg, with Toni Fruk scoring the only goal. (single source) - This match is Rijeka’s first competitive encounter in Northern Ireland. (single source) - Rijeka’s historical European record is 47 wins, 34 draws, 46 defeats, with a goal difference of 164‑151. (single source) - Ivan Tomečak and Zoran Kvržić each have 38 European appearances for Rijeka, the club record. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: FC Midtjylland eliminates HNK Rijeka from Conference League FC Midtjylland defeated HNK Rijeka 4-1 at Rujevica, winning 6-1 on aggregate to advance to the Conference League league phase. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijeka-secures-wins-in-derby-and-cadet-competition ### 2026-08-25: Rijeka faces Midtjylland in Conference League play-off Rijeka seeks a comeback against Midtjylland in the Conference League play-offs, while club president Damir Mišković discusses potential transfer talks for star player Toni Fruk. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijeka-faces-midtjylland-in-conference-league-play-off ### 2026-08-16: Varaždin defeats Rijeka 2-0 to maintain perfect HNL start NK Varaždin defeated HNK Rijeka 2-0 in the SuperSport HNL, with Ivan Mamut scoring twice to maintain a perfect start to the season. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/varadin-defeats-rijeka-2-0-in-supersport-hnl ### 2026-08-12: HNK Rijeka advances to Conference League play-offs after draw in Finland HNK Rijeka advanced to the Conference League play-offs after a 1-1 draw against Ilves in Finland, winning 2-1 on aggregate. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijeka-prepares-for-conference-league-away-leg-against-ilves ### 2026-08-06: HNK Rijeka wins Conference League qualifier; Rudeš hosts Osijek HNK Rijeka defeated Ilves 1-0 in the Conference League qualifiers. In domestic news, NK Rudeš prepares to host NK Osijek in Velika Gorica. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijeka-1-0-ilves-first-leg-win-in-conference-league-play-off ### 2026-08-01: Rijeka beats Rudeš 2‑1 to launch Croatian HNL season Rijeka opened the 2026 HNL season with a 2‑1 win over Rudeš at Rujevica, goals by Justas Lasickas and Daniel Adu‑Adjei; Stefan Vukić scored for Rudeš. Coach Matjaž Kek praised the performance and looks ahead to 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijekas-postponed-dinamo-clash-and-season-opener-against-rude ### 2026-07-29: Derry City manager Lynch urges fans to back team in UEFA Conference League tie vs Rijeka Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch urges fans to rally behind the team for the second leg of their UEFA Conference League tie against Croatia's Rijeka, stressing belief despite a first‑leg deficit. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/derry-city-manager-lynch-urges-fans-to-back-team-in-uefa-conference-league-tie-vs-rijeka ### 2026-07-27: Rijeka heads to Derry City for Conference League second leg Rijeka travels to Derry City for the Conference League second leg, holding a 1‑0 first‑leg lead; coach Matjaž Kek urges discipline and character. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijeka-heads-to-derry-city-with-10-conference-league-lead ### 2026-07-22: Rijeka clinches 1‑0 Conference League win over Derry City Rijeka beat Derry City 1‑0 in the Conference League first leg, thanks to a Toni Fruk goal, and will defend the lead in the away return match. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijeka-coach-matja-kek-eyes-strong-start-in-european-conference-league ### 2026-07-14: Rijeka prepares for new season with returning players and transfer targets Rijeka, coached by Matjaž Kek, adds returnees and new signings, scouts goalkeepers, and readies for a July 23 season opener after a pre‑season friendly. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rijeka-prepares-for-new-season-with-returning-players-and-transfer-targets --- Cite as: Rijeka eliminated from Conference League by Midtjylland. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hnk-rijeka-202324-season-preparation