Rijeka secures historic UEFA Conference League playoff spot

Rijeka played Ukraine’s Shakhtar to a scoreless draw in Krakow last night on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Conference League, earning a place in the next phase of the competition for the first time in 45 years.

The Croatian champions finished the league phase in 16th place with nine points, advancing to the playoffs for a spot in the Round of 16.

“We analyzed them well. Some of our tactics worked, some didn’t. However, a scoreless draw is a great outcome,” said Rijeka midfielder Toni Fruk.

“After losing to Noah and Vukovar, if someone offered us this, we’d take it. Yes, we could have earned more points, but we have to be satisfied with how it worked out,” added Rijeka forward Luka Menalo.

If Rijeka defeats Polish side Jagiellonia or Cypriot Omonia in the playoffs, they will face either French club Strasbourg or Poland’s Rakow in the Round of 16.

The playoff matches are scheduled for February 19 and 26, 2026, with Rijeka hosting the second leg regardless of the opponent. The draw for this phase will take place on January 16.