Croatian side Rijeka earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Greek powerhouse PAOK Saloniki in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff on August 22, 2025. The match at Stadion Rujeka was a tense, tactical battle decided by a single goal. Rijeka scored the all-important winner midway through the second half, sending their home supporters into delirium. PAOK, known for their strong European pedigree, pressed for an equalizer but found the Rijeka defense in stubborn form. The slender lead gives Rijeka a slight edge, but they face a monumental challenge in the return leg at the hostile Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki.