PAOK FC – HNK RIJEKA 5:0 (Meite 12′, Konstantelias 25′, Chalov 56′, Giakoumakis 77′, Pelkas 89′)
PAOK FC: Pavlenka – Kenny, Kedziora, Michailidis, Baba – Ozdoev (Camara 79′), Meite – Despodov (Taison 69′), Konstantelias (Pelkas 79′), Živkovic (Ivanušec 79′) – Chalov (Giakoumakis 69′)
HNK Rijeka: Zlomislić – Devetak, Radeljić, Majstorović – Oreč (Butić 60′), Petrovič, Dantas (Husić 75′), Lasickas – Menalo (Cop 60′), Janković – Fruk (Bogojević 84′)
HNK Rijeka suffered a harsh defeat and elimination from the UEFA Europa League after losing 5-0 away to Greek side PAOK in the second leg of the playoff, held at the intimidating Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki. This result followed Rijeka’s narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg at home, but PAOK dominated the return match on their own ground.
From the very beginning, PAOK took control of the game, pressing high and controlling possession with a possession rate of up to 70% in the early stages. The stadium atmosphere was intense and electrifying, boosting the home team’s confidence. The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Živković delivered a corner that Meite headed into the net, leveling the aggregate score and shifting momentum heavily in PAOK’s favor.
PAOK continued their dominance with a second goal in the 25th minute by Konstantelias, who skillfully escaped defenders and scored inside the penalty area. Despite Rijeka’s occasional attempts on goal — including a chance hitting the post by Fruk — the home team’s defense and goalkeeper Pavlenka ensured minimal threat to their lead.
In the second half, PAOK extended its lead further when Živković set up Chalov for the third goal in the 56th minute. Rijeka’s struggles worsened as they were reduced to ten men in the 71st minute after Majstorović received a second yellow card and was sent off. Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, PAOK scored two more goals: one from Giakoumakis in the 77th minute, who struck powerfully after a rebound, and the final goal by Pelkas in the 89th minute, with a precise outside-foot shot that sealed the emphatic 5-0 victory.
The defeat was a heavy blow to Rijeka, highlighting the significant gap in quality and experience between the two sides on the European stage. Despite their initial tactical discipline and fighting spirit in the first leg, the second-leg collapse highlighted the physicality and intensity PAOK brought to the match at Toumba.
This loss means Rijeka will continue their European campaign in the UEFA Conference League instead of the Europa League group stage. The Croatian champions will now aim to regroup and focus on domestic competitions while hoping to build a team capable of competing at higher levels in future European tournaments.
The roaring home crowd, the historic and fiery atmosphere of Toumba Stadium, and PAOK’s clinical performances all combined to crush Rijeka’s ambitions this time around. While the Croatian side showed moments of resistance, their overall performance was insufficient to withstand the highly motivated and technically superior PAOK team.
Coach Radomir Đalović had called for bravery and discipline, but the players were ultimately overwhelmed by PAOK’s relentless pressure and efficiency. This match will serve as a harsh lesson for Rijeka as they plan for future European challenges.
