Match report
HNK Rijeka Defeats PAOK 1-0 in UEFA Europa League Clash
HNK Rijeka
1–0
FT
PAOK
Aug 21, 2025
HNK Rijeka stunned PAOK with a narrow but significant victory in their UEFA Europa League clash, securing a hard-fought 1-0 triumph. The hosts were led by L. Menalo who scored the only goal of the game from an assist by N. Jankovic in the 39th minute. Despite numerous yellow cards and late substitutions, PAOK struggled to break through HNK Rijeka’s resolute defense.
Key Facts
- • L. Menalo scored the winning goal for HNK Rijeka at 39 minutes (assisted by N. Jankovic)
- • Jonjoe Kenny and L. Ivanusec from PAOK received yellow cards early in the match (7th and 46th minute respectively)
- • Four players from both teams were substituted after the hour mark to rejuvenate their attacking play
- • D. Cop from HNK Rijeka also received a yellow card late in the game at the 67th minute
Lineups
HNK Rijeka
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- 13 M. Zlomislic (G)
- 23 J. Lasickas (D)
- 45 A. Majstorovic (D)
- 6 S. Radeljic (D)
- 34 M. Devetak (D)
- 8 D. Petrovic (M)
- 26 T. Dantas (M)
- 20 M. Ndockyt (M)
- 4 N. Jankovic (M)
- 17 L. Menalo (M)
- 10 T. Fruk (M)
Substitutes
- 99 A. Todorovic
- 2 L. Kitin
- 9 D. Cop
- 11 G. Rukavina
- 14 A. Gojak
- 21 S. Ilinkovic
- 25 D. Thaqi
- 27 S. Butic
- 30 B. Bogojevic
- 51 A. Husic
- 87 D. Kreilach
- 77 A. Juric
PAOK
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- 1 J. Pavlenka (G)
- 3 J. Kenny (D)
- 16 T. Kedziora (D)
- 5 G. Michailidis (D)
- 21 A. R. Baba (D)
- 27 M. Ozdoev (M)
- 8 S. Meite (M)
- 14 A. Zivkovic (M)
- 18 L. Ivanusec (F)
- 65 G. Konstantelias (M)
- 9 F. Chalov (F)
Substitutes
- 88 L. Gugeshashvili
- 99 A. Tsiftsis
- 2 M. Camara
- 6 D. Lovren
- 7 G. Giakoumakis
- 23 J. Sastre
- 32 G. Taylor
- 33 D. Tsopouroglou
- 52 D. Chatsidis
- 56 A. Mythou
- 77 K. Despodov
- 97 D. Bataoulas
Timeline
-
7' PAOK Card · Yellow CardJonjoe Kenny
-
21' HNK Rijeka Card · Yellow CardN. Jankovic
-
39' HNK Rijeka Goal · Normal GoalL. Menalo · Assist: N. Jankovic
-
46' PAOK Card · Yellow CardL. Ivanusec
-
55' PAOK Card · Yellow CardAndrija Živković
-
60' PAOK subst · Substitution 1Off: M. Ozdoev · On: M. Camara
-
60' PAOK subst · Substitution 2Off: Jonjoe Kenny · On: J. Sastre
-
60' PAOK subst · Substitution 3Off: L. Ivanusec · On: D. Chatsidis
-
62' HNK Rijeka subst · Substitution 1Off: L. Menalo · On: D. Cop
-
67' HNK Rijeka Card · Yellow CardD. Cop
-
70' PAOK Card · Yellow CardIoannis Michailidis
-
71' PAOK Card · Yellow CardTomasz Kędziora
-
75' HNK Rijeka subst · Substitution 2Off: T. Dantas · On: S. Ilinkovic
-
75' HNK Rijeka subst · Substitution 3Off: M. Ndockyt · On: S. Butic
-
75' PAOK subst · Substitution 4Off: F. Chalov · On: A. Mythou
-
85' HNK Rijeka subst · Substitution 4Off: T. Fruk · On: B. Bogojevic
Match Stats
| Stat | HNK Rijeka | PAOK |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 13 | 16 |
| Pass Accuracy | — | — |
| Offsides | 3 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Total Shots | 15 | 11 |
| Corners | 4 | 2 |
| Total Passes | — | — |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 5 |
| Blocked Shots | 3 | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 3 |
| xG | — | — |
| Shots off Target | 5 | 6 |
| Possession | 60% | 40% |
| Goals Prevented | — | — |
| Accurate Passes | — | — |
| Shots Inside Box | — | — |
| Saves | 3 | 6 |
| Shots Outside Box | — | — |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ The opening of the match saw both Jonjoe Kenny (PAOK) and N. Jankovic (HNK Rijeka) receive yellow cards within the first half hour, setting a tough tone for both teams.
- ▸ L. Menalo’s goal in the 39th minute was crucial as it broke through PAOK's defensive barrier and gave HNK Rijeka the lead they needed to hold onto until the end.