HNK RIJEKA – SHELBOURNE 1:2 (Janković 56′ – pen./Bone 58′, Martin 70′)

HNK Rijeka: Zlomislić – Oreč, Majstorović (Husić 46′), Radeljić, Devetak (Lasickas 46′) – Janković, Gojak (Menalo 69′), Dantas – Ndockyt, Jurić (Čop 69′), Butić (Yankov 76′)

Shelbourne: Speel – Mbeng (Gannon 87′), Barret, Bone, Ledwidge – Wood (Champman 77′), Lunney, Norris – McInroy (Coyle 87′), Boyd (Martin 19′), Odubeko (Kelly 46′)

In the first half of the match between HNK Rijeka and Shelbourne, an Irish team, played at the Rujevica stadium as part of the third qualifying round for the Europa League, the score at halftime was 0-0. Rijeka took the initiative from the first minute and was the more dominant team on the field. The biggest problem for coach Radomir Đalović was the absence of key players Toni Fruk and Gabriel Rukavina, who had received red cards in their previous European appearance.

Rijeka had greater possession and several solid chances, notably a shot by Amar Gojak from the edge of the penalty area, which was saved by the visiting goalkeeper Wessel Speel. The hosts threatened several more times, but without a serious finish. Shelbourne spent most of the time defending on their half and rarely ventured into attacking actions.

In Rijeka’s lineup, forward Ante Matej Jurić, a new reinforcement from Serie B, played his first official match. Rijeka was more active and had more shots on goal, but they failed to score any concrete goals. No penalties or fouls worthy of mention were awarded during stoppage time of the half.

The half ended 0-0, with the home team showing visibly greater desire and engagement but lacking in chance conversion and goals.

In the second half of the match between HNK Rijeka and Shelbourne, played at the Rujevica stadium as part of the third qualifying round for the Europa League, spectators witnessed a dramatic turnaround and a surprising outcome.

Rijeka took the lead first in the 56th minute – after persistent pressure by Ndockyt, an error by the visiting goalkeeper Speel resulted in a foul on Rijeka’s player inside the penalty area. Referee Ricardo de Burgos immediately pointed to the penalty spot, and Niko Janković converted the penalty precisely for 1-0.

However, Rijeka’s advantage was short-lived – already in the 58th minute, Shelbourne equalized. The visitors won a corner, after which Sam Bone scored with a header for 1-1, completely silencing the stands.

The Irish turnaround came in the 70th minute – an excellent cross from the right found John Martin, who was left completely unmarked at the far post and headed the ball in for 1-2. Rijeka’s defense was caught napping and failed to react in time.

After this comeback, the guests managed to shut down all approaches to their goal, while Rijeka, nervously attacking, tried to equalize but without creating clear chances. Coach Đalović attempted to refresh the team by bringing on Čop and Menalo, but the score remained unchanged.

The match ended with a 2-1 win for Shelbourne, handing Rijeka a painful defeat at home despite dominating possession and making numerous goal attempts. The Irish side took advantage of their opportunities and, with just two shots, completely changed the course of the match, dealing a heavy blow to the Croatian team’s ambitions of reaching the Europa League group stage.