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2026-07-27 09:12 UTC → 2026-07-27 12:41 UTC ·
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On 23 July 2026, HNK Rijeka secured a Rijeka’s 1‑0 victory win over Derry City in the second‑qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Croatian forward Toni Fruk opened the scoring in the 52nd minute and later helped defend a late counter‑attack. The win League on 23 July 2026 was followed the next day secured by Toni Fruk’s wedding to Karla Bobić at the Opatija hotel, an event attended by members of the Rijeka football community. 52nd‑minute goal. Coach Matjaž Kek praised the result performance but warned that a tougher the return leg awaited in Northern Ireland, emphasizing Ireland will be tougher, stressing the need for sharper finishing and consistency. He also noted Fruk’s rising market value ahead of a possible summer transfer. On 27 July, Kek returned to the bench of HNK Rijeka—having previously managed the club from 2013 to 2018—and on 27 July and oversaw another 1‑0 win, this time victory in the second leg of the tie. Veteran defender Andrej Prskalo described leg, giving the result as side a solid platform for the decisive match in Londonderry. Meanwhile, speculation persisted that Speculation continues over Fruk’s future, with concerns that his possible departure could leave create an attacking gap. In a gap 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 attacking line, prompting discussions about replacements as city, and that any move would be difficult. While he downplayed transfer rumours and expressed a personal preference for the club aims to protect its advantage Spanish league, he reaffirmed his priority remains Rijeka and progress further in hinted he could return after a possible spell abroad. He also recalled his experience with the competition. Croatian national team at the World Cup.