Rijeka come into this one bruised. The web snippets tell the story: Branko Paviu0107 played the full 90 in a defeat to Midtjylland, and the u2018Bijeliu2019 returned from Denmark with a two-goal deficit. That is a mountain to climb, and Matjau017e Kek, a coach who values structure and control above all, knows it. His side have been solid domestically u2014 the 1-1-4-2-3-1 shape against Ilves in the previous round shows they can dominate possession and create chances. But this is a different beast. Midtjylland punished their errors once already, and Kek admitted as much in his post-match comments. That psychological edge matters.

Midtjylland, under Mike Tullberg, are flying. They won the first leg comfortably, and their 4-3-3 is built to press high and transition fast. They have momentum, a clean sheet to protect, and the luxury of playing away with a lead. The Danes are not a side that sits back u2014 they will look to exploit the spaces Rijeka must leave open as they chase the tie. Recent form across both camps points one way: the away side are sharper, more confident, and tactically superior in this matchup.