Rijeka Secures Europa League Play-Off

Rijeka sealed a spot in the Europa League play-off thanks to a dramatic 90th-minute goal, defeating Ireland’s Shelbourne 3–1 in the second leg of the third qualifying round. After a 2–1 home loss at Rujevica in the first match, Rijeka advances 4–3 on aggregate.

Toni Fruk (33’), Tiago Dantas (73’), and Ante Oreč (90’) scored for Rijeka, while Ademipo Odubeko netted for Shelbourne from the penalty spot in the 85th minute.

This victory guarantees Rijeka European football in the autumn. In the Europa League playoff, they will face the winner of the tie between Austria’s Wolfsberger and Greece’s PAOK (0–0). If they advance, Rijeka will play in the Europa League group stage; if not, they will drop into the group stage of the Conference League.

The Croatian side overcame their first-leg defeat at Rujevica, proving to be the stronger team against the Irish champions. With star player Toni Fruk back in the lineup, Rijeka looked far more dangerous than in the first match. Stunning long-range strikes from Fruk and Dantas put them 2–0 ahead, before conceding from the spot five minutes from time. Defender Ante Oreč then confirmed the win in the final minute.

The first half lacked fireworks, but Rijeka broke through in the 33rd minute when Fruk unleashed a long-range shot into the corner, surprising the Irish goalkeeper. They nearly doubled their lead in the 40th minute when Petrović headed wide from a corner.

The second half began with a chance for Shelbourne, but Odubeko shot wide. Fruk had another opportunity in the 69th minute, only to send it past the post.

Rijeka’s second goal came in the 73rd minute — and it was a stunner. Portuguese midfielder Tiago Dantas struck from 30 meters into the top corner.

Shelbourne pulled one back in the 85th minute after VAR confirmed a penalty for a foul by Oreč on Martin, with Odubeko converting from the spot.

However, there would be no extra time. In the 90th minute, Oreč redeemed himself, reacting quickest in the box and firing into the corner to send Rijeka into a guaranteed European autumn.