Home: Strasbourg
- Racing Club Strasbourg will take a narrow 2 - 1 aggregate lead into Thursday’s second leg of their UEFA Conference League round of 16 tie against HNK Rijeka.
- Strasbourg are about 35-36 points after 25 games in Ligue 1 and remain in the European hunt in the top half of the table.
- Their form has been inconsistent, but they are unbeaten in their last three cup and European contests, including a 3-0 win over Reims in the Coupe de France last weekend.
- Gary O’Neil’s men, since he took over in January 2026, have established a solid defensive foundation, but have a strong attacking bias to them.
- They are high-pressers by nature and attack on the break with aggressive players who can make things happen quickly in transition.
Away: Rijeka
- HNK Rijeka are third in Croatia’s HNL with 37 - 38 points after 25 rounds and in contention to qualify for Europe.
- Rijeka are third in the Croatian HNL after back-to-back league wins, including a 3-2 victory over Hajduk Split.
- They have enough quality to cause the hosts problems at La Meinau.
- Martin Zlomislić is the foundation of Rijeka’s defensive unit, keeping several clean sheets this season.
Head-to-Head
The two clubs have never previously met in a competitive fixture, but both will be hoping that this is the start of a great European journey.
Strasbourg
- Racing Club Strasbourg have several key players missing through injury for this game.
- Martial Godo came off the bench to score in Rijeka and could be the man to run at home and score the goals that make the difference.
- Joaquín Panichelli is Racing Club’s top scorer in all competitions this season and opened the scoring in the first leg.
- Julio Enciso is a creative spark who can produce the key pass and has given some strong displays in Ligue 1.
Rijeka
- Víctor Sánchez, Rijeka’s boss since September 2025, has set his side up with a more pragmatic, controlled approach.
- They get their chances by set plays and set-piece routines, with Toni Fruk their main man up front and on dead balls.
- Tiago Dantas and Amer Gojak provide the creativity and passing in midfield, while Dantas was a threat in the first leg.
Betting Insights
- O’Neil’s team are the clear favorites at 1.38 to win this, while Rijeka are at 7.1.
- The draw looks attractive at 4.85.
- The Both teams to score - No market is available at 1.7 and is the suggested play given Strasbourg’s structure and first-leg lead.
Prediction
- Expect a close, low-chance game with Strasbourg defending a narrow lead.
- A home win or draw is the most likely outcome.
