Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 37/17
Bookmaker: BetUS
Rijeka will look to make home advantage count in this playoff opener, eager to put their Champions League disappointment behind them by pushing for a Europa League group-stage berth.
Dalovic̢۪s men must lean on their sharpness and rhythm from recent competitive outings, while PAOK arrive with relatively limited match practice, having only faced Wolfsberger in their European campaign so far.
HNK Rijeka
Rijeka̢۪s prize for clinching the domestic double in 2024/25 was another attempt at reaching the Champions League, a competition that has always eluded them. Their past efforts ended in the second qualifying round in 1999/00 and the playoffs in 2017-18, and hopes of finally breaking through were dashed once more as Ludogorets prevailed 3-1 on aggregate.
That setback left Dalovic̢۪s side dropping into the Europa League, where progress is far from assured, as two qualifying rounds must still be negotiated. The first test came against Shelbourne, and Rijeka made hard work of it after losing the first leg at home. At Tolka Park, though, they turned it around, with Toni Fruk and Tiago Dantas putting them 2-0 up and ahead 3-2 on aggregate.
When Mipo Odubeko̢۪s late penalty looked to force extra time, Ante Orec struck almost immediately to seal a 3-1 win on the night and 4-3 overall, booking a playoff meeting with PAOK.
Team News
Orec, who proved decisive in the comeback win over Shelbourne, will be absent for the first leg through suspension, leaving Dalovic to seek alternatives at right-back.
Even so, the 24-year-old is still regarded as Rijeka̢۪s key attacking outlet, having netted 10 goals last season, including one in the last round. Alongside him, Fruk̢۪s influence remains vital, with his 10 assists underlining his dual role as both creator and scorer, providing Rijeka with an added dimension as they prepare for this playoff tie.
PAOK
PAOK may lack rhythm due to their limited competitive outings so far, but they will look to take advantage of Rijeka̢۪s inconsistent run, with just two wins in their last six matches and three defeats.
Although the early stages of the campaign offer little to judge conclusively, Razvan Lucescu’s side appear intent on keeping games tight while building momentum. That approach was evident in their third-round clash with Wolfsberger, which produced only one goal â€" Mady Camara’s strike in extra time, sparing them a penalty shootout.
With no Europa League group-stage appearance since 2020-21 and recent forays confined to the Conference League in 2021-22 and 2023-24, the four-time Greek champions are eager to reclaim a place in the continent̢۪s second-tier competition, with Rijeka now standing in their way.
Team News
Taison has been sidelined since hobbling off against Wolfsberger earlier this month, leaving the experienced midfielder a major doubt for Thursday̢۪s playoff opener.
Winger Kiril Despodov is also yet to feature under Razvan Lucescu this term, with his absence continuing after he impressed last season by recording four goals and four assists.
Meanwhile, last season̢۪s leading marksman, Mady Camara, has already opened his account in the third qualifying round and will once again be relied upon to deliver the cutting edge for PAOK against Rijeka.
Conclusion
PAOK overcame Rijeka in Conference League qualifying four years ago, but the context has shifted this time, with the Greek side entering the tie short on recent competitive action.
Given that, the Croatian champions are tipped to edge a tight first leg on home soil, taking a slender advantage with them ahead of next week̢۪s return fixture in Thessaloniki.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 37/17
Bookmaker: BetUS