Rijeka's edge forces Derry City into do‑or‑die Conference League tie

Rijeka's 1‑0 win in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League second‑qualifying round leaves Derry City trailing by a single goal, meaning the Irish side must secure a victory at home on 30 July to remain in the competition in the tie.

The opening half ended without a goal despite Rijeka’s dominance of possession. The Croatian side kept the ball for the majority of the period but could not create a clear threat against Derry City goalkeeper Brian Maher.

Just before the break, Derry’s Michael Duffy struck from inside the area. His shot seemed destined for the bottom corner before it was deflected wide.

In the 52nd minute, Croatia international Toni Fruk, fresh from the World Cup, seized a momentary lapse in the Derry defence. He fired past Maher to give Rijeka the lead, a decisive strike that broke the deadlock.

Early in the second half debutant Brooklyn Lyons‑Foster cleared Daniel Adu‑Adjei’s effort off the line. Shortly after, Maher saved Tiago Dantas’ follow‑up attempt.

After a triple substitution Derry pressed forward, with Adam O’Reilly delivering a cross that set up Michael Duffy for a headed chance. Toni Fruk intervened with an acrobatic clearance, denying Duffy a vital goal.

In injury time Justas Lasickas missed a clear opportunity for the Croatian side, leaving the score at Rijeka 1‑0 Derry City. The result leaves the Irish “Candystripes” with a one‑goal deficit to overturn in the return leg.

Tiernan Lynch’s side will host Rijeka at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on 30 July, needing to reverse the aggregate to progress. The second leg will decide whether Derry City can stay in the Conference League campaign.