🔴 Shelbourne v Rijeka Preview
Kick-off: 7.45pm (Streamed stay on SolidSport)
20 years on from their unforgettable triumph in Cut up, Shelbourne are again in Croatia with European desires very a lot alive. The opposition this time could also be Rijeka, however the objective is identical: preserve the tie alive and return to Tolka Park with one thing to struggle for.
It’s exhausting for any Shels fan to not be swept away by the nostalgia. That well-known evening towards Hajduk Cut up in 2004, capped by Dave Rogers’ thunderbolt, nonetheless ranks as one of many best moments within the membership’s historical past. The consequence led to a mouth-watering Champions League conflict with Deportivo La Coruña — the high-water mark of a golden period.
🔥 Excessive Stakes in Rijeka
Quick ahead to 2025 and Joey O’Brien’s facet stand on the sting of one other breakthrough. A win over Rijeka throughout two legs wouldn’t solely echo previous glories — it will assure a spot within the Europa Convention League group stage. The added bonus? A free swing on the Europa League teams, ought to they upset the percentages once more.
It’s a step Shamrock Rovers have taken earlier than — in each 2022 and 2024. Now it’s Shels’ flip. A win tonight, or perhaps a slender defeat, might arrange a magical evening in Drumcondra subsequent week.
📉 Classes from Qarabag, Features in Maturity
O’Brien’s younger workforce had been caught out towards Qarabag of their opening European leg, committing too many gamers ahead in quest of a objective and paying the value on the counter. This time, the technique might be extra measured.
“You’ve acquired to maintain the soccer,” O’Brien mentioned. “Too many low-cost turnovers final week and also you’re simply pinned in. That’s how you find yourself in lengthy nights.”
He is aware of Rijeka are harmful — but additionally weak. They exited the Champions League to Ludogorets in extra-time regardless of being the higher facet over two legs. Crucially, two key gamers from that tie are suspended: creator-in-chief Toni Fruk and goalscorer Gabriel Rukavina.
🇭🇷 Croatian High quality vs Irish Grit
The Croatian league nonetheless ranks forward of Eire’s in UEFA phrases (twenty first vs thirty first), however the hole has closed. Rijeka have pedigree, however inconsistency and a ban on travelling followers — imposed after final yr’s meltdown in Slovenia — makes them much less daunting than previous Croatian opponents.
O’Brien is adamant that Shels received’t sit again and defend all evening, however acknowledges there might be durations of struggling with out the ball. It’s about staying organised, mentally alert — and able to pounce when possibilities come.
“You need to put the gumshield in at occasions and trip it out,” he mentioned. “However when we’ve got the ball, we’ve got to play.”
🎯 What’s at Stake
- Win over two legs: Assured place within the Europa Convention League group stage
- Additionally up for grabs: A Europa League group spot for the winners of this tie
- Parachute route: If Shels lose, they play both Linfield or Vikingur within the Convention League playoff
However for O’Brien and his facet, the ambition is to keep away from that parachute altogether — and comply with within the footsteps of the 2004 heroes.
📺 Match Data
- Fixture: Rijeka vs Shelbourne
- Kick-off: 7.45pm (Irish time)
- Stay Stream: SolidSport
- 2nd Leg: Tuesday, 12 August at Tolka Park
It will not be the Champions League — however for Shels followers dreaming of European nights, it’s the subsequent smartest thing. Win or lose, it’s one other step on a path that after appeared closed off. And simply perhaps, it ends in one other well-known photograph underneath the Drumcondra lights.
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