HNK Rijeka vs Shelbourne Live Stream

Rijeka vs Shelbourne: Europa League Clash That Could Define the Group Race

Both sides arrive in Madrid with something to prove. HNK Rijeka sit mid‑table in the Croatian league but have been relentless in Europe, while Shelbourne are chasing a historic first‑ever progression from the UEFA Europa League group stage. A win for either side not only brings three points but also a massive boost in confidence as the race for the knockout spots tightens.

Essential Match Info

• Competition: UEFA Europa League – Group Stage, Matchday 3
• Fixture: HNK Rijeka vs Shelbourne
• Venue: Stadion HNK Rijeka, Madrid, Spain
• Kick‑off: 20:45 CEST (UTC+2) / 14:45 EDT (Toronto)
• Expected attendance: 7,800 spectators
• Travel note: Both squads face a short flight to Madrid; the city’s early‑August heat can reach 33 °C, so hydration and cooling breaks may be crucial.
• Weather forecast: Clear skies with a light breeze, temperatures around 31 °C.

Form Guide & Context

HNK Rijeka – Last 5 (W/D/L): W 2‑1 vs Osijek, D 1‑1 vs Dinamo, L 0‑2 vs Hajduk, W 3‑0 vs Lokomotiva, W 2‑1 vs Varaždin. They have scored an average of 2.0 goals per game and kept a clean sheet in two of those matches. Rijeka sit 5th in the Prva HNL, three points off the Europa Conference qualifying places.

Shelbourne – Last 5 (W/D/L): W 2‑0 vs St Patrick’s, W 3‑1 vs Bohemians, D 1‑1 vs Dundalk, L 0‑2 vs Derry, W 4‑2 vs UCD. The Irish side average 2.2 goals per match and have struggled defensively, conceding 1.6 per game. Shelbourne are 3rd in the League of Ireland Premier Division, aiming to secure a European spot for the next season.

Tactical Preview

Expected Shapes & Pressing

Rijeka are expected to line up in a 4‑3‑3, pressing high when the ball is in the final third and dropping into a compact 4‑5‑1 against deep blocks. Shelbourne will likely mirror this with a 4‑3‑3 of their own, using a coordinated press‑trigger at the opponent’s midfield pivot.

Midfield Battles

The duel between Rijeka’s central trio – seasoned play‑maker Marko Špikić flanked by two box‑to‑box midfielders – and Shelbourne’s dynamic duo of Ryan McGowan and Conor O’Brien will dictate possession. Expect both sides to contest aerial duels and aim to win the second ball quickly.

Wide Areas & Overlaps

Rijeka’s wingers, especially Antonio Perić, will hug the touchline and look to cut inside, creating space for overlapping full‑backs. Shelbourne’s full‑backs are known for their forward runs, meaning the flanks could become battlegrounds for crosses and second‑phase shots.

Transitions & Set Pieces

Both teams thrive on quick counters. Rijeka’s pacey front‑three can exploit Shelbourne’s high line, while Shelbourne’s aerial strength makes them dangerous from corners and free‑kicks. Expect a high number of set‑piece routines, especially from Rijeka’s set‑piece specialist Filip Kovačević.

Player Focus

• Injuries/Absences: Rijeka’s centre‑back Mario Jurković is a late fitness doubt after a hamstring strain. Shelbourne’s striker James O’Connor misses out with a minor ankle sprain.
• Rijeka spotlight: Marko Špikić – creative pivot, 12 assists this season; Antonio Perić – speedster, tops the league in dribbles per 90.
• Shelbourne spotlight: Ryan McGowan – box‑to‑box midfielder, known for late‑run goals; Conor O’Brien – versatile winger, excels in 1‑v‑1 situations.

Head‑to‑Head Snapshot

The two clubs have met five times in European competition, with Rijeka winning three, Shelbourne one, and one draw. Goals have been plentiful – an average of 2.8 per meeting – with both sides scoring in every encounter.

Predicted Lineups

HNK Rijeka (4‑3‑3)

• GK: Petar Lukić
• RB: Tomislav Vuk
• CB: Ivan Horvat
• CB: Marko Babić (Jurkovic’s possible replacement)
• LB: Domagoj Šimunović
• CM: Marko Špikić
• CM: Leonardo Džambo
• CM: Filip Kovačević
• RW: Antonio Perić
• ST: Josip Galić
• LW: Matej Soldo

Rijeka’s selection prioritises a balanced midfield that can both create and shield the defence, while the front‑three offer pace and a goal‑threat from any position.

Shelbourne (4‑3‑3)

• GK: David Byrne
• RB: Kevin O’Malley
• CB: Sean Fitzgerald
• CB: Patrick Murphy
• LB: Declan McCarthy
• CM: Ryan McGowan
• CM: Conor O’Brien
• CM: David Nolan
• RW: Tommy Kavanagh
• ST: Michael Drennan
• LW: Neil Gallagher

Shelbourne opts for a compact midfield trio that can press aggressively, while the wide forwards provide width and directness, crucial against Rijeka’s disciplined back line.

What It Means

A victory for Rijeka could catapult them into the top three of Group D, putting them on a realistic path to the Europa League knockout phase. For Shelbourne, three points would keep them within striking distance of the group’s second spot and preserve a historic chance to advance.

Psychologically, the match is a turning point. Rijeka’s manager will look to cement a winning mentality after a mixed domestic run, while Shelbourne’s boss aims to prove that the Irish side can thrive under pressure in continental football.

Match Odds & Responsible Note

Current market sentiment suggests a slight edge for the home side, with odds roughly around 2.20 for Rijeka, 3.10 for a draw, and 3.40 for Shelbourne. Bet responsibly – gamble only what you can afford to lose.

Closing Outlook

The showdown promises high‑tempo attacking play, a battle for midfield supremacy, and plenty of set‑piece drama. Keep an eye on the flanks where both teams will look to exploit any defensive lapses.

• Will Rijeka’s high press force Shelbourne into errors?
• Can Shelbourne’s aerial threat on corners offset Rijeka’s defensive shape?
• Which of the spotlight players will deliver the decisive moment?