The second leg of the 2025/26 Conference League round-of-16 tie between Strasbourg (France) and Rijeka (Croatia) will take place on 19 March at the Stade de la Meinau. The score in the first leg was 2:1 in favour of Strasbourg. Strasbourg vs Rijeka: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Strasbourg
The first meeting was absolutely even, with both sides posting strong xG numbers, which came in at 2.10:2.50 in favour of the French side. Nevertheless, the home team claimed the win (2:1) and now have a strong chance of reaching their first European quarter-final since 1980. They need, at the very least, to avoid defeat over the 90 minutes. It is also worth noting that this victory was the club's fifth in a row in this tournament.
- The French side's unbeaten run in the Conference League stands at nine matches (seven wins and two draws).
- Both teams scored in seven of Strasbourg's previous eight matches in this European competition.
- At least three goals were scored in four of the club's last five games in this tournament.
Potential Strasbourg Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Mike Penders – Ben Chilwell, Ismael Doukoure, Gela Doue, Lucas Hoisberg – Valentin Barco, Samir El-Mourabet – Sebastien Nanasi, Julio Enciso, Sam Amo-Ameyaw – Joaquin Panichelli.
Defender Gela Doue will miss out through suspension.
Rijeka
The Croatians did not deserve to lose the home leg. After all, they attempted far more shots – 19:13 – and also won more corners – 19:13. However, luck was on their opponent's side, so they now need to win away from home by two goals or more. If they manage to win by a one-goal margin, extra time will be played. Incidentally, prior to that, the visitors had gone seven Conference League matches without defeat (four wins and three draws). It is also worth noting that the club had never previously progressed as far as the round of 16 in European competition.
- At least one of the teams failed to score in seven of the Croatians' previous 10 matches in this tournament.
- Rijeka have not scored more than one goal in 11 of their last 13 Conference League games.
- No more than two goals were scored in the visitors' previous four away matches in this European competition.
Potential Rijeka Lineup (4-1-3-2)*
Martin Zlomislic – Ante Majstorovic, Mladen Devetak, Stjepan Radeljic, Ante Orec – Alfonso Barco – Merveil Ndockyt, Tiago Dantas, Amre Gojak – Toni Fruk, Daniel Adu-Adjei.
Defender Ante Majstorovic is unavailable due to suspension.
Referee
Mykola Balakin (Ukraine)
Matches – 7 (International fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 32;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 29%.
Strasbourg vs Rijeka: Match Prediction
Despite the win in the first leg, we do not think the French side will have an easy ride in the return match. The team were somewhat fortunate to snatch victory in Croatia, but at home the tie should be just as tense, with a similar number of chances and opportunities to score. We would suggest that the visitors can, at the very least, avoid defeat, and even if they do lose, it should be by the narrowest of margins.
Rijeka have played nine matches in the Conference League this season and suffered only two defeats, with both coming by a one-goal margin. In addition, the club have already played 12 away games in this tournament, and only twice have the Croatians lost by two goals or more. Strasbourg have nine matches in this European competition and have only managed to win by more than one goal once – at home against Breidablik (3:1).
Prediction: Rijeka (+1.5)
* For each team, the starting XI listed is from their previous match in this tournament.
