Rijeka vs Strasbourg: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — March 12, 2026
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Rujevica Stadium in Croatia, Rijeka will host French side Strasbourg. This is the opening leg of the tie in the battle for a spot in the Conference League quarter-finals.
Match preview
Rijeka have come a long way to get here. The Croatian team finished 16th in the main phase, then confidently dispatched Cypriot side Omonia in the playoff round, winning both legs (1-0 and 3-1). Victor Sanchez's squad plays a gritty, disciplined brand of football at home. Their main strength lies in their patience and ability to make the most out of rare chances. However, the level of opposition in Strasbourg is significantly higher than anything Rijeka have encountered in this European campaign. They will be missing injured defender Barisic, but midfielder Ndokit returns to the squad after suspension.
Strasbourg are one of the main favorites in this season's Conference League. The French side were phenomenal in the group stage, finishing top with 16 out of a possible 18 points, which allowed them to skip the knockout round play-offs and advance straight to the last 16. The team favors an attacking style focused on possession and a high tempo. In Ligue 1, Strasbourg are also near the top of the table, fighting for European places. Diego Moreira will be absent for the visitors, but the squad depth allows them to cover his absence without a drop in quality. For the French side, this away fixture is a real test of their ability to break down a packed defense on the road.
Tactically, Rijeka will sit deep on their own half, organizing two compact defensive lines. Strasbourg are expected to dominate possession, trying to stretch the home defense through Nanasi's dribbling and Emegha's pace.
Probable lineups
Rijeka: Zlomsilic; Barisic, Majstorovic, Devetak; Orec, Barco, Dantas, Petrovic, Lasickas; Fruk; Juric
Strasbourg: Penders; Doue, Doukoure, Omobamidele, Chilwell; El Mourabet, Barco; Moreira, Enciso, Godo; Panichelli
Match facts and head-to-head
- This is the first-ever meeting between these teams
- Rijeka have won six of their last seven matches
- Strasbourg are unbeaten in five games: two wins, three draws
- Strasbourg have conceded in nine of their last ten matches
Prediction
The attacking potential these teams have shown suggests there will be plenty of goals in this tie. My prediction: both teams to score – YES at 1.75
