HNK Rijeka hosts PAOK in the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie. Rijeka, seeking to overcome Champions League disappointment, aims to leverage home advantage against a PAOK side lacking match sharpness. With key players like Fruk pivotal for Rijeka, and Camara leading PAOK’s attack, the match promises a tactical battle. Rijeka is tipped to secure a narrow home win, setting up a tense return leg in Thessaloniki.
As the Europa League playoff round commences, HNK Rijeka prepares to host PAOK in a crucial first-leg encounter. Rijeka, having faced disappointment in their Champions League bid, are determined to secure a spot in the Europa League group stage. Their home advantage could be pivotal as they face a PAOK side that may lack sharpness due to limited competitive matches.
Rijeka's journey to this stage has been marked by both setbacks and resilience. Their aspirations for Champions League qualification were thwarted by Ludogorets, leading them to the Europa League. In the previous qualifying round against Shelbourne, Rijeka showcased their fighting spirit, overcoming a first-leg defeat at home. A remarkable turnaround at Tolka Park, fueled by goals from Toni Fruk and Tiago Dantas, saw them take the lead on aggregate. Despite a late penalty scare, Ante Orec's decisive strike sealed a 3-1 victory, setting up the clash with PAOK.
Key players will be crucial for Rijeka. Although Orec is suspended for the first leg, his attacking prowess remains vital. Last season, he scored 10 goals and his absence will force coach Dalovic to seek alternative options at right-back. Fruk’s creative abilities, with 10 assists last season, provide an added dimension to Rijeka’s attack.
PAOK, on the other hand, aims to exploit Rijeka's inconsistency, despite having played fewer competitive matches. Razvan Lucescu’s team appears focused on maintaining tight games while gradually building momentum. This strategy was evident in their narrow victory against Wolfsberger, where Mady Camara's extra-time goal prevented a penalty shootout.
Driven by the ambition to return to the Europa League group stage for the first time since 2020-21, PAOK recognizes the significance of this match against Rijeka. Their recent appearances have been confined to the Conference League, and they are eager to reclaim their place in the continent’s second-tier competition.
However, PAOK faces challenges with key players sidelined. Taison’s injury sustained earlier this month makes him doubtful for the match. Winger Kiril Despodov is also unavailable, further impacting Lucescu’s options. Despite these absences, Mady Camara, PAOK’s leading scorer from last season, will be expected to deliver the cutting edge in attack.
Historically, PAOK has had the upper hand, defeating Rijeka in Conference League qualifying four years ago. However, the current context favors Rijeka, given PAOK's lack of recent competitive action. Rijeka is poised to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a narrow lead, setting the stage for an intense return fixture in Thessaloniki.
The match promises to be a tactical battle, with Rijeka aiming to assert their dominance at home and PAOK seeking to exploit any weaknesses in the Croatian side's defense. The outcome of this first leg will significantly influence the fate of both teams in their quest for Europa League glory.
As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on the key players and tactical decisions that could determine which team gains the upper hand. Rijeka's home advantage, combined with PAOK's determination to overcome their challenges, sets the stage for a thrilling encounter.
With both teams eager to advance, the stakes are high, and the match is expected to be a fiercely contested affair. Fans can anticipate a captivating display of football as Rijeka and PAOK battle for a crucial advantage in the Europa League playoff round.