Midtjylland demolish Rijeka in Conference League playoff

HNK Rijeka started brightly and took the lead through D. Adu-Adjei in the fourth minute, but the early advantage proved fleeting. S. Iheanacho equalised for FC Midtjylland just thirteen minutes later, and from that point the visitors began to control proceedings. The home side never recovered from ceding the initiative, and by half-time they were chasing the game without having made a meaningful impact.

Midtjylland turned the screw after the interval with ruthless efficiency. D. Osorio restored the visitors' lead in the fifty-first minute, then M. Jensen added a third five minutes later to put the tie beyond doubt. Rijeka's resistance crumbled as they conceded a fourth to G. Cho with twelve minutes remaining, leaving the away side with a commanding performance to build on in the return leg.

The gulf in class became apparent as the match wore on. While Rijeka's early goal suggested they might compete, Midtjylland's superior fitness and tactical discipline shone through in the second half. When Cho sealed the victory late on, it completed a comprehensive away win that puts the Danish club firmly in control of this playoff tie.