Lithuanian national team defender Justas Lasickas and his Rijeka side booked their place in the UEFA Europa League qualifying play-off round with a thrilling 3-1 away win over Irish champions Shelbourne.
The 27-year-old once again began the match on the bench, with Rijeka looking to overturn a shock 2-1 home defeat from the first leg just a week earlier. The visitors drew level on aggregate before halftime, thanks to a precise strike from Toni Fruk.
Midway through the second half, Portuguese midfielder Tiago Dantas doubled Rijeka’s advantage, putting them ahead in the tie for the first time. Moments later, Lasickas was introduced into the action. The Croatians looked to be cruising into the next round – until drama struck in the 86th minute. Following a VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Shelbourne, which the hosts converted to restore aggregate parity and threaten extra time.
But Rijeka had the final word. In the 90th minute, Ante Orec pounced to score the decisive goal, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory.
For Lasickas, who entered the match in the 75th minute, it was his sixth official appearance since joining the Croatian champions. The win guarantees Rijeka European football into the autumn for the first time since the 2020/21 season, securing at least a place in the UEFA Conference League phase
However, they can still make it to the Europa League main stages as in the play-off round, Rijeka will face the winner of the tie between Greece’s PAOK and Austria’s Wolfsberger. The first leg in Greece ended 0-0, with the decisive return match set for Thursday in Austria.
