Rijeka faces tough test against Midtjylland in Conference League qualifier

Rijeka faces its toughest test of the season as they visit Danish side Midtjylland in the first leg of the Conference League qualifying final. The Croatian club is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2-0 league loss where coach Matjaž Kek openly criticized his players for a lack of aggression and character.

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There's no use crying; we weren't up to par in Varaždin, and now we have a real European game ahead of us, so let's see where we stand.

Kek did not hold back after the match, stating some players had "greatly disappointed" him and that the team lacked "duels, aggression, will, and character." This criticism comes as Rijeka prepares to face a Midtjylland team with a formidable European pedigree. The Danish club has reached the Europa League knockout stages in three of the last four seasons and notably defeated Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 at home last season. They have also beaten teams like Nottingham Forest and Celtic.

Despite the odds, with bookmakers favoring Midtjylland heavily, Rijeka hopes the recent setback will serve as a wake-up call. "Every game is an opportunity," Kek said in his pre-match press conference. "It's good that a new game comes three or four days after a loss to correct it. We need to be objective and clear, Midtjylland is European quality that must be respected, but we must talk more about ourselves than worry about them." He added, "There's no use crying; we weren't up to par in Varaždin, and now we have a real European game ahead of us, so let's see where we stand."

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Midtjylland is European quality that must be respected, but we must talk more about ourselves than worry about them.

Defender Ante Oreč acknowledged Midtjylland's strength, noting their experience, speed, and physical power. "We know what this match means," Oreč stated, emphasizing the need to find a way to match their intensity.

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Midtjylland is better than our previous opponents in Europe, they have experience, play faster, are physically powerful, and we will have to find a way to respond to that.