HNK Rijeka vs RC Strasbourg

Strasbourg seized control of their Conference League Round of 16 tie with a 2-1 victory away to Rijeka, thanks to a lightning-fast opener from Joaquín Panichelli. The Argentine striker needed just 73 seconds to fire the visitors ahead after a slick pass from Sebastian Nanasi, setting the tone for a dominant first-half display. Panichelli continued to torment the Rijeka defence before the break, hitting the woodwork and forcing saves from Martin Zlomislić. Martial Godo then doubled the lead in the 72nd minute, pouncing on a rebound after Guela Doue's initial effort was saved. Rijeka pulled one back almost immediately through Ante Majstorović, who powered home a header from a Tiago Dantas free kick in the 76th minute, but the hosts couldn't find an equaliser despite late pressure. Strasbourg take a valuable away advantage into next week's second leg in France, while Rijeka — playing in their first-ever UEFA knockout round — will need a historic result in Alsace to keep their European dream alive.