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3 clusters · 8 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: SPORTS

Rijeka‑Derry City Conference League tie

Entities: La Liga · HNK Rijeka · Derry City FC · Croatian national football team · Toni Fruk

Overview

Rijeka’s 1‑0 win over Derry City in the second‑qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League on 23 July 2026 was secured by Toni Fruk’s 52nd‑minute goal. Coach Matjaž Kek praised the performance but warned that the return leg in Northern Ireland will be tougher, stressing the need for sharper finishing and consistency.

Kek returned to the bench on 27 July and oversaw another 1‑0 victory in the second leg, giving the side a solid platform for the decisive match in Londonderry. Speculation continues over Fruk’s future, with concerns that his possible departure could create an attacking gap.

In a Radio Rijeka interview, Fruk reflected on his contributions, noting his seventh European goal ties him with club legend Zoran Kvržić. He said leaving Rijeka would be “very emotional,” that he feels “at home” in the city, and that any move would be difficult. While he downplayed transfer rumours and expressed a personal preference for the Spanish league, he reaffirmed his priority remains Rijeka and hinted he could return after a possible spell abroad. He also recalled his experience with the Croatian national team at the World Cup.

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Toni Fruk says leaving Rijeka will be difficult

    Rijeka striker Toni Fruk, after scoring against Derry City and matching Zoran Kvržić’s European goal tally, said he feels at home in Rijeka and that leaving would be emotionally tough, while dismissing transfer

  2. 5 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Rijeka beat Derry City 1-0 with Tonio Fruk’s goal in Conference League

    Rijeka defeated Derry City 1‑0 in the Conference League first leg, with Tonio Fruk scoring; coach Kek praised the win but cautioned about the upcoming return match.

  3. 6 days ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Toni Fruk nets winner for Rijeka and marries the day after

    Toni Fruk scored Rijeka's 1‑0 win over Derry City in the Conference League and married Karla Bobić the following day in Opatija.

Sources

dnevno.hr · fiuman.hr · glas-slavonije.hr · m.24sata.hr · novilist.hr · tportal.hr · vijesti.hrt.hr · zivim.gloria.hr

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history