Hajduk and Rijeka notch wins in qualifiers for the Conference League

The first leg of the 3rd round of qualification for the Conference League was played on Thursday night. Both Croatian teams vying for a place in the main competition were successful in their respective games. Hajduk hammered Žalgiris 5:2 in Lithuania, while Rijeka edged past Finnish side Ilves 1:0 at home.

The match in Vilnius started off well for Hajduk, with forward Michele Šego taken down in the penalty area by midfielder Juri Kendiš. Šego took the penalty himself and gave Hajduk the early lead in the 5th minute of play. Šego had the opportunity to double Hajduk's lead from another penalty kick in the 14th minute of play, which was secured after winger Marin Šotiček was fouled in the penalty area. However, this time his shot was saved by Žalgiris goalkeeper Vincentas Šarkauskas.

The home team fought back in the 34th minute of play and equalized from practically their only real chance in the first half, with Nikola Petković tucking the ball into the net. However, by the end of the half, Hajduk had a new lead, with Šego scoring a fantastic free kick in the 44th minute of play, for his second goal of the match. Hajduk's dominance continued in the second half with midfielder Adrion Pajaziti striking an indefensible shot to the opposite corner of the Žalgiris net.

Hajduk midfielder Dalisson de Almeida would add another in the 73rd minute of play, followed by Hajduk's fifth goal just two minutes later by Rokas Pukštas. Žalgiris managed to score a second goal in the 85th minute of play, when Croatian international Marko Capan, scored a jaw-dropping free kick against his former team.

Here's what Hajduk coach Gonzalo Garcia had to say after the game: "When you lose a few games in Hajduk, there's always pressure. When you win you have a few moments of relief. Today we managed to win. I think it's been six or seven years since Hajduk won an away game in Europe. So, I think we broke a barrier tonight. Obviously it wasn't easy, but I hope that was the point today. To return to being competitive."

Rijeka was also successful in the 3rd qualifying round of the Conference League, beating Finnish side Ilves 1:0 at their home stadium in Rujevica. Winger Niko Janković scored the lone goal in the 16th minute of play, in a highlight reel shot from outside the penalty area. However, despite dominating the entire match, Rijeka was unable to capitalize on its numerous excellent chances. Here's what Janković had to say after the game: "I'm not entirely happy, because we should have won by at least two or three goals. We were dominant and created chances. But we have to keep our heads up, prepare for the next game and go up there to win and advance."

"There are no easy games, and this was just the first half. There is a little disappointment that we're not going into the return leg with a bigger lead, but we're confident in our abilities and going for the win on Thursday," added right back Ante Oreč.

Both return games will be played next Thursday, with Hajduk hosting Žalgiris in Split, while Rijeka will play away in Tampere Finland.

Source: HRT