Rijeka vs Strasbourg: Late Goal Narrows Deficit in UECL Last 16

Strasbourg take 2-1 lead over Rijeka in Conference League

Highlights: Strasbourg beat Rijeka 2-1 in the UEFA Conference League last 16 first leg, with goals from Panichelli and Godo.

Rijeka lose 2-1 to Strasbourg in Conference League, Majstorovic scores late consolation...

Strasbourg took a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their Conference League knockout tie against Rijeka, maintaining their unbeaten run in the competition (W6, D1). Joaquin Panichelli scored early, netting after just 73 seconds, and Martial Godo doubled the lead before Daniel Majstorovic pulled one back for Rijeka.

Rijeka, making their first-ever UEFA competition quarterfinal, had hoped to keep things tight initially, but Strasbourg's strong start put them on the back foot. The French side dominated the first half, with Panichelli's early goal setting the tone. Rijeka's Toni Fruk had a chance to level, but Mike Penders made a crucial save.

However, Strasbourg - who finished top of the league phase - had other ideas, taking the lead after just 73 seconds.

A swift foray forward culminated with Sebastian Nanasi cutting inside from the left flank before picking out Joaquin Panichelli, who took a touch and fired past Martin Zlomislic for just his second goal of the UECL campaign. 

The Argentine striker could have - and probably should have - added to that tally, but instead missed a host of chances.

First, he tried to lob Zlomisilic, yet his effort sailed wide, before the Rijeka goalkeeper made a save down to his right from a powerful shot just inside the box.

Panichelli remained his side’s biggest threat as the half progressed, although his frustrations grew as he was denied by the woodwork.

The Croatian side were largely second-best throughout the first half but did have the opportunity to draw level midway through the first period via Toni Fruk. His shot from a narrow angle, though, was well saved by Mike Penders.

Strasbourg continued to push for a second goal after the break, with Julio Enciso creating a great chance. He powered into the box and unleashed a powerful shot, but Zlomisilic made a solid save to keep Rijeka in the game. 

Andrew Omobamidele was next to try his luck, but his effort sailed over the bar. The away side continued to probe and did have the ball in the back of the net just after the hour mark after Nanasi curled in an excellent strike - on this occasion, though, the offside flag denied him.

Le Racing did manage to increase their lead with a quarter-hour remaining when Martial Godo - who came on for Nanasi - fired home a rebound from close range after Guela Doue’s initial strike was saved.

Five #UECL wins in a row for @RCSA 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/t06OkUBzMF

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) March 12, 2026

Still, O’Neil was left frustrated when Rijeka pulled a goal back almost immediately to halve the deficit. Tiago Dantas’ free-kick into the box was powered home by Daniel Majstorovic, who was left unmarked in the box.

While Rijeka went in pursuit of a second goal, they struggled to break down the Strasbourg rearguard, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of next week’s second leg.

Strasbourg's got the upper hand and will be confident heading into the second leg at home. But Rijeka's unbeaten away record in the league phase gives them hope to turn it around.