Rijeka vs Strasbourg – News and Probable Lineups

The Croatian team HNK Rijeka has had a notable journey in the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League, now finding themselves just two matches away from securing a spot in the quarter-finals as they gear up to face RC Strasbourg Alsace in the round of 16 at Stadion HNK Rijeka on Thursday.

The first leg will occur in Rijeka, while the return match is set for a week later in France, with both teams striving to advance their European aspirations and edge closer to the final in Leipzig in May.

Match overview

Rijeka’s journey commenced earlier this season in the league phase of the Europa Conference League, where the Croatian team faced a challenging slate against clubs from across Europe.

The team displayed resilience and defensive solidity throughout the stage, achieving crucial outcomes including a goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk and a convincing 3–0 win over NK Celje, performances that kept them competitive in the standings and laid the groundwork for their move into the knockout rounds.

After successfully completing the league phase, the Rijeka Whites advanced in their European quest during the knockout play-offs, demonstrating a strong performance against AC Omonia by winning both legs to secure their position in the round of 16.

Under the management of Victor Sanchez del Amo, the team’s attacking prowess has been fueled by several pivotal players, with midfielder Toni Fruk standing out as one of the top scorers while teammates Dion Drena Beljo and Niko Petrovic have also contributed significant goals and creativity, aiding Rijeka’s competitive stance against stronger European rivals.

However, Rijeka faces a considerable challenge in the round of 16, as their opponents Strasbourg topped the league phase and entered the knockout stage as a seeded team following an unbeaten streak, meaning the Croatian club will likely require two strong performances to keep their European aspirations alive.

With the first leg to be played in front of their home crowd at Stadion HNK Rijeka, the hosts will aim to take the initiative before the crucial return fixture in France, knowing that a positive outcome on Thursday could place them in a favorable position to reach the quarter-finals and continue what has already been a remarkable European journey.

Strasbourg has had a commendable run in the 2025–26 Conference League, and their campaign continues this week with a challenging first leg of the round of 16 as they visit HNK Rijeka on Thursday night.

Having proven to be one of the most consistent teams in the tournament thus far, the side managed by Gary O’Neil will head to Croatia with confidence as they aspire to take another step toward the latter stages of Europe’s third-tier club competition.

Strasbourg’s strong outings in the league phase allowed them to finish at the top of the standings, securing automatic entry into the round of 16, with their impressive form throughout the opening stage maintaining an unbeaten record and enabling them to bypass the knockout play-off round.

The success of the French club relies on a dynamic attacking strategy and several notable individual performances, with forward Martial Godo becoming one of their primary attacking threats in the tournament after netting three goals and providing two assists.

However, the challenge intensifies as Strasbourg prepares to face Rijeka in two legs, knowing that the Croatian hosts can be formidable opponents at home, where the intense atmosphere and energetic support often challenge visiting teams.

Thursday’s first leg at Stadion HNK Rijeka thus serves as a significant test for Le Racing as they seek to maintain their momentum and further their promising European journey.

Team News

Heading into the fixture, HNK Rijeka is almost entirely fit, though right-back Teo Barisic remains out with the hamstring injury he incurred last month, and midfielder Toni Fruk was a late substitute in their last league match against HNK Vukovar 1991 due to a suspected injury and could miss the European encounter.

Coach Sanchez del Amo is expected to welcome back Tornike Morchiladze and Merveil Ndockyt after both completed their suspensions during the second leg against AC Omonia, although defenders Ante Majstorovic and Ante Orec are in a delicate position regarding disciplinary actions and risk suspension should they receive another yellow card.

For the visiting side, Strasbourg is also contending with several injury issues ahead of Thursday’s match, with striker Emanuel Emegha continuing to be sidelined due to a muscle fibre tear, defender Aaron Anselmino working his way back from a hamstring injury, and winger Diego Moreira absent because of an abductor concern.

Additionally, Valentin Barco and Guela Doue are also one booking away from suspension, having accumulated two yellow cards throughout the league phase of the Conference League this season.

HNK Rijeka probable starting XI:

Breakers; Majstorovic, Husic, Devetak; Lasickas, Barco, Dantas, Orec; Radeljic, Gojak, Juric

Strasbourg probable starting XI:

Penders; Doue, Doukoure, Omobamidele, Chilwell; El Mourabet, Barco; Oyedele, Enciso, Godo; Panichelli

Both teams, having shown solid form throughout the tournament, will face off on Thursday, but now that the knockout stage has begun, the tension and stakes of the match could result in a particularly cautious contest.

While Rijeka will aim to leverage their home advantage and secure a lead ahead of the return leg in France, Strasbourg’s consistency in the competition indicates they are capable of achieving a result away from home, making a draw in Croatia a plausible outcome going into the crucial second leg.