HNK RIJEKA – LUDOGORETS 0:0
HNK Rijeka: Zlomislić – Oreč (Butić 90’+3′), Majstorović, Radeljić, Devetak – Dantas (Gojak 63′), Janković, Petrovič – Ndockyt (Lasickas 72′), Fruk, Menalo (Rukavina 63′)
Ludogorets: Bonmann – Son, Verdon, Kurtulus, Nedjalkov, Vidal – Piotrowski (Naressi 81′), Kaloč (Stanić 67′), Marcus (Ivanov 87′) – Tekpetey (Duarte 67′), Bile (Chouiar 46′)
Rijeka’s footballers were unable to find the back of the net in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round against Ludogorets, played last night at Rujevica Stadium. Although Rijeka were seen as favourites in front of their home supporters, the game ended without goals, leaving everything open for the return leg in Bulgaria.
From the first minute, the significance of the match was evident, and both teams showed a great deal of caution. Rijeka tried to take the initiative, but the visitors from Razgrad proved to be a solid and organized opponent. The home side managed to create a few promising chances, mostly through striker Frigan, but failed to convert them. Rijeka’s goalkeeper also stood out with one brilliant save in the second half, preventing the away side from taking the lead.
After the match, Rijeka coach Sergej Jakirović said he was pleased with his team’s discipline and fighting spirit, but emphasized the need for more clear-cut chances and greater attacking efficiency in the return leg. “I’m satisfied with our defensive organization, but we need to take more risks going forward and be more decisive in front of goal,” the coach added.
Club captain Marko Lešković highlighted the importance of achieving a positive result in the first leg: “Of course, we would have liked to win in front of our fans, but even this draw leaves our chances open. In Bulgaria, we have to give everything and I believe we can achieve our goal.”
The return match in Razgrad will be played in a week, with Rijeka seeking a win or at least an away goal that could secure them a place in the third qualifying round. In case of elimination, Rijeka will continue their European journey in the Europa League qualifiers.
This goalless draw once again showed how unpredictable these early European matches can be and how every detail matters. Rijeka now faces a challenge, but also an opportunity to prove their quality on the European stage.
