Derry City must overcome a one-goal deficit in the second leg of their Conference League second qualifying round tie as Rijeka secured a 1-0 victory against the Candystripes in Croatia.

The teams went into halftime goalless, with the hosts controlling possession but failing to generate significant threats. Michael Duffy’s late attempt almost gave the visitors the lead.

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Croatia international Toni Fruk, back from the World Cup, broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a goal that capitalized on a brief lapse in Derry’s defense.

Tiernan Lynch’s squad is set to host Rijeka at the Brandywell on July 30.

Rijeka Takes Lead After Intense First Leg

The home team dominated much of the first half but struggled to seriously challenge Derry City’s goalkeeper, Brian Maher.

Niko Jankovic, Branko Pavic, and Mladen Devetak all missed opportunities for the hosts, who failed to convert their control of the game into clear chances.

Derry City only began to find their footing in the last five minutes of the half, coming close to taking the lead before halftime.

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Michael Duffy’s shot from inside the box seemed bound for the bottom corner but was deflected wide at the last moment.

Rijeka took the lead early in the second half, as Fruk found the back of the net after exploiting a momentary defensive slip from Derry.

The Croatian side nearly doubled their lead shortly after when debutant Brooklyn Lyons-Foster cleared a shot from Daniel Adu-Adjei off the line, and Maher saved the follow-up from Tiago Dantas.

Derry City pushed forward after making a triple substitution.

Adam O’Reilly initiated a counterattack and delivered a precise cross into the box aimed at Michael Duffy, who was poised to score. However, goalscorer Toni Fruk executed an acrobatic clearance just in time, denying Duffy a clear shot.

Justas Lasickas came close for Rijeka in injury time, as the home team concluded the match with a slender one-goal lead heading into the return leg at the Ryan McBride Brandywell next week.