Kek: Rijeka must prove itself in Europe against Ilves

Croatian football club HNK Rijeka is set to face Finnish opponent Ilves in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. The match, scheduled for Thursday evening at Rijeka's home stadium, Rujevica, presents a significant European challenge for the team.

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Every European match in the qualifying rounds has its own rules and things you must be prepared for, and details that can tip the game in one direction or another.

Rijeka enters the tie after successfully navigating the previous round, where they defeated Derry City with two victories. However, experienced coach Matjaž Kek has cautioned against underestimating their Finnish opponents. "Every European match in the qualifying rounds has its own rules and things you must be prepared for, and details that can tip the game in one direction or another," Kek stated in his pre-match press conference.

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Ilves is a very cohesive team that has its own stance and way of playing. There is no mediocrity in Europe.

Kek described Ilves as a highly organized team with a distinct playing style. "Ilves is a very cohesive team that has its own stance and way of playing. There is no mediocrity in Europe," he added. "They have experience, they know how to defend and transition quickly. They have their recognizable stance, and we will have to be concentrated and decisive. We must maintain the rhythm; this is Europe, and there is no room for error."

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We must maintain the rhythm; this is Europe, and there is no room for error.

Midfielder Branko Pavić echoed the coach's sentiments, anticipating a tough contest. "We expect a difficult and demanding match, but I believe that with the support of the fans and our full commitment, the Finns will have no chance at Rujevica," Pavić said. "We have analyzed the Finnish team; they are a good team, and every team at this stage is of quality. They are physically powerful, and we know it will be difficult."

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We expect a difficult and demanding match, but I believe that with the support of the fans and our full commitment, the Finns will have no chance at Rujevica.