The Daily Star Ireland
Shelbourne’s Europa League journey gained fresh momentum after a remarkable 2-1 victory away to Croatian champions Rijeka in the third qualifying round. Manager Joey O’Brien’s men displayed composure and tactical discipline, overturning a second-half deficit thanks to goals from Sam Bone and substitute John Martin.
It was a night to remember for the Dublin side, who earlier this summer had fallen to Qarabag in the Champions League qualifiers. Goalkeeper Wessel Speel delivered vital stops to keep them in the contest, while Kerr McInroy dictated transitions in midfield. With a narrow lead, Shelbourne return to Tolka Park eyeing a place in the play-off round.
Rijeka Struggle Without Key Creators
Rijeka’s defeat exposed the impact of missing suspended midfielders Gabrijel Rukavina and Toni Fruk. The hosts had controlled possession and went ahead via a Niko Jankovic penalty, but they lost their grip after conceding twice in a 15-minute spell. Coach Radomir Dalovic will be under scrutiny ahead of the return leg, with potential recalls for Duje Cop and Luka Menalo to add attacking bite. Their recent domestic win over Slaven Belupo showed they can respond under pressure, yet their European campaign now hangs in the balance.
Tactical Stakes for the Return Leg
In Dublin, Shelbourne are expected to persist with their well-drilled 5-3-2 system, leaning on Martin’s aerial threat and Harry Wood’s creativity. Injuries to Milan Mbeng and Sean Boyd could force defensive reshuffles, with Sean Gannon likely stepping in. Rijeka will seek more cutting edge, especially with Fruk’s likely return to the midfield engine room. Defensive organisation will also be a priority after they struggled against Shelbourne’s set-piece movement and wide overloads.
Prediction and Outlook
Despite Rijeka’s greater European pedigree, the momentum lies firmly with Shelbourne. Backed by their home crowd and buoyed by a landmark away win, the Irish side have the tools to frustrate their opponents again. While bookmakers still give Rijeka the edge, a repeat 2-1 scoreline for Shelbourne would not only match the first-leg result but also seal a statement victory—one that could firmly establish them as one of Europe’s most exciting underdog stories this season.
Prediction: Shelbourne 2:1 Rijeka
