HNK Rijeka, the reigning champions of Croatia, has discovered its next opponent on the path to the prestigious UEFA Champions League group stage for the 2025/26 season. The Croatian champ will face Bulgaria’s PFC Ludogorets 1945 in the second qualifying round of the competition.
Draw details
Draw Date: The draw for the second qualifying round was held on 18 June 2025.
Opponent: Rijeka will play against the team that advances from the PFC Ludogorets 1945 (Bulgaria).
Game Dates: The first leg is scheduled for July 22nd, 2025 (8:45 p.m.), with the return leg set for July 29th, 2025.
Format: The games are played over two legs (home and away), with the winner advancing to the third qualifying round.
Game Significance
This draw presents a challenging task for Rijeka, as both potential opponents have considerable experience in European competitions. Ludogorets, in particular, is a well-known name on the continental stage, with regular appearances in the Champions League qualifiers. Dinamo-Minsk, while not as prominent in recent seasons, remains a formidable side from Belarus.
HNK Rijeka’s Status and Preparations
Rijeka enters this stage as the champions of Croatia, having dramatically clinched the domestic title at the end of the 2024/25 season. The team will aim to leverage its recent domestic success and substantial squad depth to progress further on the European scene. Rijeka’s home ground, Rujevica, will host the first.
What’s at Stake
Advancing past the second qualifying round would bring Rijeka one step closer to the UEFA Champions League group stage—a significant boost for the club in both sporting and financial terms. Failure to advance would see Rijeka transferred to the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League, ensuring further European competition in the 2025/26 season.
Calendar Overview
| Round | Draw Date | First Leg | Second Leg |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Qualifying Round | 17 June 2025 | 8–9 July 2025 | 15–16 July 2025 |
| Second Qualifying Round | 18 June 2025 | 22–23 July 2025 | 29–30 July 2025 |
| Third Qualifying Round | 21 July 2025 | 5–6 August 2025 | 12–13 August 2025 |
| Play-off Round | 4 August 2025 | 19–20 August 2025 | 26–27 August 2025 |
HNK Rijeka’s path in Europe is set to intensify, with a crucial second qualifying round game approaching. The opponent will be Ludogorets from Bulgaria, with games scheduled to take place at the end of July. Success in this round will bring them closer to joining Europe’s elite in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The winner of this match advances to the third preliminary round of the UEFA Champions League, moving closer to the group stage. With the defeat, the club goes into the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, which guarantees the continuation of the European season even in the event of relegation.
The games between Rijeka and Ludogorets herald a real European challenge and a fascinating duel between the football champions from Croatia and Bulgaria. The first match at Rujevica could be crucial for Rijeka’s ambitions on the way to the Champions League.
