UEFA Europa League: Rijeka beats Aberdeen to reach play-offs

(Photo: NK Rijeka)

RIJEKA, 15 August, 2019 – Croatian football club NK Rijeka has beaten Aberdeen from Scotland in the third qualifying round of the 2019/2020 UEFA Europa League.

Rijeka, who won the first leg last week at Rujevica stadium in Rijeka 2-0, were too good for Aberdeen at Pittodrie stadium on Thursday night, winning 2-0 again to win the tie 4-0 on aggregate. 

The win means Rijeka advances through to the play-off round. If they win that tie they will make the main draw of the 2019/2020 UEFA Europa League.

Rijeka got off to the perfect start when in the 10th minute they would take the lead when Loncar found the back of the net after sneaking in behind the Aberdeen defence to tap in a cross. The away goal meant Aberdeen would need four goals. 

When Ojo was sent off in just the 20th minute, the tie was all but over for Aberdeen. Colak got his second goal of the tie in the 32nd minuten when he headed home at the back post to make it 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate. 

(Photo: NK Rijeka)

Rijeka will now meet Belgium side Gent in the play-off. The first leg of the play-off will be played on 22 August, and the second leg on 29 August 2019.