Rijeka vs Omonia: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 26 February 2026
The second leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League play-off round will take place on Thursday, February 26, at the Rujevica Stadium in Croatia. The local side, Rijeka, will face off against Cyprus’s Omonia in this high-stakes encounter.
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Match preview
Rijeka comes into the return fixture with a significant advantage: their 1-0 away win (with Daniel Adu-Adjei netting the decisive goal in the 86th minute) allows Spanish manager Víctor Sánchez’s team to play with the scoreline in mind. Despite a recent domestic setback against Hajduk (0-1), the “Whites” have showcased exemplary defensive discipline in European competition, conceding just 0.3 goals per match on average. At home, Rijeka remains unbeaten in this season’s Conference League, turning Rujevica into a true fortress.
The hosts’ main concern is the absence of midfielder Tornike Morchiladze, who was sent off at the end of the first leg and is now suspended. Merveil Ndockyt is also out due to yellow card accumulation. Nevertheless, the return of key defenders and the excellent form of goalkeeper Zlomislić between the posts give the Croatians confidence in holding onto their advantage. Sánchez is likely to opt for a pragmatic approach, relying on midfield compactness and lightning-quick counterattacks.
Omonia, under Norwegian coach Henning Berg, arrives in Croatia as the leader of the Cypriot championship but burdened by back-to-back 0-1 defeats (against Rijeka and in the derby with APOEL). The “Greens” dominated the first leg, enjoying over 60% possession, but Ryan Mmaee and Willy Semedo failed to convert their chances. To progress, the Cypriots must score at least once, forcing them to take the initiative and take risks from the opening whistle at Rujevica.
The visitors continue to struggle with injuries: Stevan Jovetić and defender Fotios Kitsos are sidelined, and Ioannis Kousoulos may start on the bench due to a minor knock. The attacking focus will be on the creativity of Muamer Tanković and the physical power of Mmaee. Omonia historically starts strong, unbeaten in the first half across 18 consecutive matches, but tomorrow they will need not just control, but ruthless finishing to breach the tournament’s stingiest defense.
Key facts and head-to-head
- Four of Rijeka’s last five matches have seen under three goals scored.
- Omonia has conceded first in four of their last five games.
- These teams have only met once before.
- Their first encounter ended with a 1-0 win for Rijeka.
Probable lineups
- Rijeka: Zlomislić – Oreč, Majstrović, Radeljić, Devetak – Dantas, Petrovič, Fruk – Gojak, Lasickas, Adu-Adjei
- Omonia: Fabiano, Masouras, Coulibaly, Balkovec, Christou – Odubajo, Andreou, Eiting, Semedo – Tanković, Mmaee
Prediction
I expect a fiercely contested, cagey affair. Rijeka will lock down their half, luring the Cypriots forward and hoping to exploit space for Adu-Adjei. Omonia will have to go all out, but the absence of their key creative players and Rijeka’s defensive stability make the visitors’ task almost impossible. Most likely, a single moment will decide the outcome once again. My prediction: Total under 2.5 goals.
