Strasbourg will look to build on their first-leg advantage when they host Rijeka in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie on Thursday, March 19th. Having secured a 2-1 victory in Croatia last week, Strasbourg are in a favorable position to advance to the quarter-finals. The match, set to kick off at 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET), will be broadcast live on Canal+ Foot.
Strasbourg Riding Momentum After First-Leg Win
Strasbourg’s 2-1 win at Stadion HNK Rijeka Dean Šćulac gave them a crucial edge in this tie. The French side will be eager to capitalize on home advantage and finish the job in front of their supporters. A key factor in their success has been the form of forward Joaquín Panichelli, who has already scored two goals in five matches in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season. Panichelli’s ability to find the back of the net will be vital if Strasbourg are to progress further in the competition.
Rijeka Face Uphill Battle in France
Rijeka, currently third in the Croatian Prva HNL, face a significant challenge to overturn the first-leg deficit. They trail league leaders Dinamo Zagreb by 22 points domestically, indicating a dip in form. Despite their domestic struggles, Rijeka will be determined to put up a fight and potentially spring a surprise in Strasbourg. The winner of this tie will face either Mainz 05 or Sigma Olomouc in the quarter-finals.
Match Details and Kick-Off Time
The second leg between Strasbourg and Rijeka is scheduled for 9:00 PM Central European Time (CET) on Thursday, March 19th. For fans in the United States, that translates to a 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) kickoff. The match will be played at the Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, France.
Team Lineups and Potential Starting XIs
Even as official team lineups won’t be confirmed until closer to kickoff, we can anticipate some key players featuring for both sides. Strasbourg is likely to field a strong starting XI, with Panichelli leading the attack. Midfielders Dantas and Gojak will be crucial in controlling possession and creating opportunities. Rijeka will likely rely on the experience of players like Zlomislic and Radeljic to try and disrupt Strasbourg’s rhythm.
Based on the first leg, potential starting lineups could look like this:
Strasbourg
- Goalkeeper: Fruk
- Defenders: Nyakate, Doukoure, Marchand, Guilbert
- Midfielders: Dantas, Gojak, Diarra
- Forwards: Panichelli, Sebas, Mothiba
Rijeka
- Goalkeeper: Juric
- Defenders: Godo, Orec, Radeljic, Zlomislic
- Midfielders: Gojak, Petrovic, Lasickas
- Forwards: Cop, Majstorovic, Devetak
What’s at Stake?
For Strasbourg, a quarter-final berth in the Europa Conference League represents a significant opportunity to compete on the European stage. They are aiming to build on their first-leg advantage and secure a place in the next round. Rijeka, meanwhile, are looking to salvage something from their European campaign and potentially cause an upset. A win for Rijeka would not only send them through to the quarter-finals but also provide a major boost to their confidence for the remainder of the Croatian league season.
Conference League Roundup: Other Second Leg Fixtures on March 19th
Thursday’s schedule features several other compelling Europa Conference League second-leg matches. Here’s a look at some of the other fixtures taking place on March 19th:
- AEK Athens vs. Celje (Agg: 4-0)
- AEK Larnaca vs. Crystal Palace (Agg: 0-0)
- Mainz 05 vs. Sigma Olomouc (Agg: 0-0)
- Raków Częstochowa vs. Fiorentina (Agg: 1-2)
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Samsunspor (Agg: 3-1)
- Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Lech Poznań (Agg: 3-1)
- Sparta Prague vs. AZ (Agg: 1-2)
These matches promise plenty of drama and excitement as teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Looking Ahead
Following this match, Strasbourg will return to Ligue 1 action, while Rijeka will continue their pursuit of Dinamo Zagreb in the Croatian Prva HNL. The outcome of this Europa Conference League tie will undoubtedly have an impact on both teams’ momentum and confidence heading into their respective domestic campaigns.
Archysport will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the UEFA Europa Conference League and all major football competitions. Stay tuned for updates, analysis, and expert insights.
