Rijeka have been bounced out of Champions League after only two qualifying matches.
Questionable refereeing. Plenty of VAR checks. Two shots off the post. Two dumb red cards for Rijeka. They will only have themselves to blame after not scoring in the home leg vs. Bulgarian champs Ludogorec.
It just wasn’t Rijeka’s July across two qualifying matches vs. Ludogorec. Rijeka were the better side in Croatia but couldn’t find the back of the net. Even after equalizing in the 71st minute in Bulgaria Wednesday night through an American Gojak volley, Rukavina would pick up a useless straight red card for a knee-high tackle at midfield six minutes later. It completely killed the momentum Rijeka pulled through their equalizer. Ludogorec would have their 87′ goal disallowed due to offside following a VAR review.
But then Toni Fruk would have his 97th minute injury time slide tackle upgraded from yellow to red, which meant Rijeka would have to play 30 minutes of extra time with only nine guys. Bunker ball did not work as Ludogorec would bag two goals to win 3-1. Dinamo almost made it to the Champions League playoff group stage round last year. Rijeka couldn’t win one qualifying match. Ouch. This one is going to hurt in the coefficient rankings.
Next stop: Europa League 3rd qualifying round vs. Irish club Shelbourne.
@Maminjo
https://croatiansports.com/varazdin-beat-portuguese-side-santa-clara-hajduk-draw-zira-in-1st-leg-of-conference-league-qualifying/#comments/518842
Just one more thing to add. I believe only the Portuguese league title will suffice for a big club like Benfica every year. They have not won it for two seasons in a row and didn’t win it last season under Bruno Lage so I don’t know how secure Lage is in his coaching position. If Ivanovic becomes a starter for Benfica, I just hope Benfica sticks with Lage through the whole season and not sack him once the team hits a bad patch. Because any coach turnover can easily have a detrimental impact on someone like Ivanovic who is not established and still a bit inexperienced…
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Shame Rijeka are already out of CL qualifying at the first hurdle. Shelbourne sounds like a winnable tie. For once Rijeka have got to win at Rujevica and take a first leg lead. Also hoping Fruk will hit his stride soon.
Do Fruk and Rakuvina red cards carry over to Shelborne?
Dang, I believe so. This article from Irish Mirror says both players are suspended.
https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/joey-obrien-says-qarabag-experience-35649277
Luka vs Arsenal
Thursday 07:30 EDT
29 players on tour – will be surprised if he starts – hopefully comes on as a sub
I watched the match and the decisive point occurred in the 77th minute with the score 1 – 1 when Gabrijel Rukavina foolishly and clumsily went in for a slide tackle deep in opponent’s half and studded an opponent high up and close to the knee. He was red carded by the Scottish ref and one cannot have too many complaints.
Worse was to follow when deep into stoppage time Toni Fruk went for a slide tackle almost on the halfway and connected with his studs on the back of the opponent’s heel. Play went on and after stoppage the ref gave Fruk a yellow card, however VAR intervened and after watching the tackle on TV the ref changed his mind and gave Fruk a straight red card. Maybe a bit harsh but from memory Fruk was red carded in HNL for almost an identical tackle.
Pity about Rijeka because the two teams were evenly matched over the two legs, however Rijeka coach Dalovic is also to blame for employing negative and defensive tactics.