Omonia Nicosia
- Omonia top the Cypriot First Division and have won three of their last five games in all competitions.
- Omonia Nicosia are the bookmakers’ favorite to win the first leg of this UEFA Europa Conference League 2025-2026 playoff matchup at 2.0, which is a touch surprising to me given that HNK Rijeka are 3.65 and the draw 3.35.
- Omonia have scored at least three goals in three of their last five matches, with a 3 - 0 league victory and a 4 - 2 win away at Pafos being their most recent two results.
- They are a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 side that build up play patiently but can play fast-paced soccer on the wings, hitting the breaks at the right time.
- Henning Berg’s side are an organised unit that defend well, keep a tight shape in all phases of the match, and have the ability to pose a constant threat from set pieces, as they demonstrated in their 3 - 0 and 4 - 2 wins.
HNK Rijeka
- Rijeka are currently in the top half of the Croatian Prva HNL with between 28-32 points from 20-22 matches.
- HNK Rijeka are led by a possession-based tactician in Víctor Sánchez, who sets up his team in a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system.
- Tiago Dantas is the main playmaker and the primary connection between defense and attack.
- The main goal threat comes from Toni Fruk, who tops Rijeka’s scoring charts.
- Martin Zlomislić is Rijeka’s most-used goalkeeper, while Stjepan Radeljić is the defensive anchor of the side.
- They have been in decent form, winning 3 - 1 against Varaždin, drawing 0-0 with Dinamo Zagreb, and losing 1-0 to Osijek in their last five in all competitions.
Head-to-Head
Omonia lead the head-to-head against HNK Rijeka (1 win, 1 draw) in two UEFA Cup matches played in 2006.
Key Players
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Omonia
- Willy Semedo is the team’s main goal and assist threat, while Ryan Mmaee provides a veteran presence and scoring prowess up front.
- Muamer Tanković and Stevan Jovetić are also good options for Berg, they provide a little bit of magic and can be used as super subs.
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Rijeka
- Tiago Dantas is the main playmaker and the primary connection between defense and attack.
- Toni Fruk is the main goal threat and tops Rijeka’s scoring charts.
- Martin Zlomislić is Rijeka’s most-used goalkeeper, while Stjepan Radeljić is the defensive anchor of the side.
Betting Insights
- Omonia Nicosia are the bookmakers’ favorite to win the first leg at 2.0, with HNK Rijeka at 3.65 and the draw 3.35.
- Both teams to score is a favorite bet at 1.75, so we are getting behind them.
Prediction
- Neither side faces any major injury or suspension problems, so both managers should have full squads available for this crucial tie.
- This is a clash between an attack-minded, counter-ready team and a team who will try to control the ball and territory in a pro-active way.
- We think the game will be tight, but Omonia are at home and in form, so we are taking them to edge this one at odds of 2.0.
