Rijeka come into this second leg trailing 2-0 and must chase, but a heavily rotated starting eleven with six regulars missing raises questions about their cohesion and cutting edge. Midtjylland, equally reshuffled with eight changes, hold the strategic advantage and can afford to…
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Sign inHNK Rijeka host FC Midtjylland on Thursday evening in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff round tie, with the Danish side holding a commanding 2-0 advantage from the first meeting a week ago. The 27 August 2026 return fixture gives Rijeka one chance to overturn the deficit and reach the group stage.
Midtjylland secured a controlled 2-0 win at MCH Arena in the opening leg, putting themselves firmly in the driving seat. The goals have given the visitors a comfortable cushion, meaning Rijeka must score at least twice to force extra time while also keeping a clean sheet. A single away goal for the Danish side would leave the Croatian club needing four on the night.
Midtjylland are set to be without Ousmane Diao, Victor Bak and Junior Brumado for the trip. Head coach Mike Tullberg is expected to field a strong attacking line featuring Billing, Darío Osorio and Franculino. Rijeka have no freshly confirmed absentees, giving manager Radomir Đalović a full squad to choose from. Gojak, Rukavina and Adu-Adjei are likely to lead the home attack as they chase a comeback.
Chilean winger Darío Osorio is the danger man. With six goals and four assists in UEFA competitions — netting against Santa Coloma, Ludogorets, Hoffenheim, Real Sociedad, KuPS and Hibernian — the £6 million-valued attacker has repeatedly delivered spectacular moments. He also provided a stunning assist for Valdemar Byskov to beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last October. Rijeka’s backline must keep him quiet if they are to have any chance of progressing.
Rijeka can threaten in transition and from set-pieces, areas where they will look to unsettle Midtjylland’s high press. Franculino, Gojak and Adu-Adjei carry the goal threat, and an early home strike would transform the atmosphere. The Croatian side needs to balance urgent attacking with defensive caution — conceding would likely end the tie.
Midtjylland arrived in this playoff after being ousted by Beşiktaş in the Europa League and swatting aside Bohemians in the previous round. They are likely to press high and seek an away goal early, which would leave Rijeka needing four. The Danish club’s depth and European experience give them a clear edge, but they cannot afford to sit back and invite pressure.
Victory for Midtjylland would book a place in the Conference League group stage, while Rijeka need a memorable European night on home soil to keep their continental campaign alive.
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