HNK Rijeka Advances to UECL Round of 16 After Defeating Omonia Nicosia 3-1

Fri, 27 Feb 2026, 05:14 WIB | By Thalatie Kaprina Yani | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Sports

Not the right time to raise JKN contributions when the economic conditions of the community are still facing pressure. Not the right time to raise JKN contributions when the economic conditions of the community are still facing pressure.

The Croatian club, HNK Rijeka, secured a place in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) after achieving a convincing 3-1 victory over Omonia Nicosia at the HNK Rijeka Stadium. This victory puts Rijeka ahead with a total aggregate of 4-1 and marks their best achievement in European competition in the last 46 years.

The match started with high pressure from the visiting team. Omonia Nicosia, who came with the ambition of chasing the 0-1 deficit in the first leg, immediately appeared aggressively. Ewandro almost put Omonia ahead early, but his shot went just wide of the goal.

The deadlock was broken in the 15th minute due to negligence in Rijeka’s back line. Ryan Mmaee took advantage of the host’s defender’s loss of concentration to send a precise pass to Muamer Tankovic. Calmly, Tankovic beat goalkeeper Martin Zlomislic, changing the score to 1-0 and equalizing the aggregate to 1-1.

Even though Rijeka dominated possession throughout the first half, they appeared blunt and struggled to create significant opportunities. In contrast, Omonia appeared more threatening through quick counter-attack schemes.

In the second half, Rijeka showed a different mentality. They immediately scored an equaliser through their first opportunity since the break. Toni Fruk’s shot from the edge of the penalty box was initially saved by goalkeeper Francis Uzoho to the goalpost, but the ball still rolled over the goal line.

The match then became open with a trade of attacks. Rijeka goalkeeper, Zlomislic, made a crucial save in the 60th minute when he thwarted Semedo’s close-range opportunity. The momentum of victory finally sided with the hosts in the 67th minute. Starting from a shot by Daniel Adu Adjei which was saved by Uzoho, the loose ball fell towards Toni Fruk who immediately shot it to score his second goal of the night.

Rijeka confirmed their progress was unstoppable when Daniel Adu Adjei scored a beautiful goal with a lob shot that went over Uzoho’s head. The score of 3-1 remained until the final whistle.

This success is Rijeka’s best performance in UEFA competition since they reached the quarter-finals of the Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1979/80 season. In the Round of 16, Rijeka will face a challenge from one of the winners between Raków Czestochowa or RC Strasbourg.

For Omonia Nicosia, this result forced them to be eliminated in the same stage for two years in a row, also marking their third consecutive defeat in all competitions. (Flash Score/Z-2)

HNK Rijeka made history by advancing to the UECL Round of 16 after defeating Omonia. HNK Rijeka made history by advancing to the UECL Round of 16 after defeating Omonia.

Complete preview of Rijeka vs Omonia Nicosia in the 2026 Conference League. Check out the score predictions, head-to-head, and player line-ups at the HNK Rijeka Stadium. Complete preview of Rijeka vs Omonia Nicosia in the 2026 Conference League. Check out the score predictions, head-to-head, and player line-ups at the HNK Rijeka Stadium.

Daniel Adu Adjei became the hero of HNK Rijeka when he defeated Omonia Nicosia in the first leg of the Conference League play-off. Daniel Adu Adjei became the hero of HNK Rijeka when he defeated Omonia Nicosia in the first leg of the Conference League play-off.

Brylian Aldama was previously contracted for 18 months by HNK Rijeka. The former Indonesian U-16 and U-19 player was first introduced by the club in early April 2021. Brylian Aldama was previously contracted for 18 months by HNK Rijeka. The former Indonesian U-16 and U-19 player was first introduced by the club in early April 2021.

The victory over HNK Rijeka puts them at the top of the temporary standings with nine points, or two points ahead of Sociedad and AZ Alkmaar. The victory over HNK Rijeka puts them at the top of the temporary standings with nine points, or two points ahead of Sociedad and AZ Alkmaar.

HNK Rijeka made history by advancing to the UECL Round of 16 after defeating Omonia. HNK Rijeka made history by advancing to the UECL Round of 16 after defeating Omonia.

Check out the preview of Omonia Nicosia vs Rijeka in the 2026 UEFA Conference League. Analysis of strengths, key statistics, and predicted player line-ups for both teams. Check out the preview of Omonia Nicosia vs Rijeka in the 2026 UEFA Conference League. Analysis of strengths, key statistics, and predicted player line-ups for both teams.

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