The Rijeka football team celebrated a crucial 1-0 victory against Omonia in Cyprus during the first leg of the Conference League play-offs. The team's coach, Victor Sanchez, expressed pride in his players' performance while acknowledging that the tie is not yet settled. He emphasized the strength of Omonia as an opponent, highlighting their quality and home advantage. Sanchez commended his players for their maturity in handling the pressure of the match without showing fear despite difficult conditions.

The match's decisive moment came in the 87th minute when Daniel Adu-Adjei scored the game-winning goal for Rijeka, providing a late breakthrough that could impact the upcoming second leg. However, the team faced a setback just two minutes later when player Morchiladze received a second yellow card, leaving Rijeka with ten men for the remainder of the match. This situation puts extra pressure on Rijeka for the return leg at their home ground in Rujevica, scheduled for February 26, where they must maintain their advantage.

Looking ahead, Victor Sanchez is aware of the challenges that await, stating that while they have secured a slight lead, the second leg will require careful strategy and full team effort. Omonia has proven to be a strong team, and Rijeka needs to prepare thoroughly to defend their lead and advance in the tournament. The upcoming match will be pivotal for Rijeka’s aspirations in the Conference League, making it essential for the players to deliver another strong performance at home to seal their place in the next round.