August 22, 2019 - Gent topped NK Rijeka 2:1 in the first leg of the Europa League play-off round in Belgium. 

In the first match of the Europa League play-offs, NK Rijeka was unlucky against Belgian club Gent, losing 2:1 away for a 1:0 aggregate, reports HRT.

Rijeka took the lead in the 40th minute thanks to a goal by Tibor Halilović, though, in the second half, Gent’s Laurent Depoitre managed a turnaround for the Belgian club with two goals in the 57th and 71st minute. 

Rijeka came to Gent with a clear goal - to achieve a result that gives them a chance to advance to the Europa League group stage. They let Gent keep possession of the ball, played disciplined, and all attempts by the Belgian club to threaten Rijeka's goal in the first half were unfruitful. 

The hosts had their only opportunity in the 36th minute after an error by Acosty.

Rijeka led in the 40th minute after Tibor Halilović played Čolak in the penalty area, though his back was to the goal. However, Čolak managed to lay off the ball to Halilović who shot from 10 meters out to give Rijeka the lead. 

At the start of the second half, Gent put even more pressure on the Rijeka defense. After two unsuccessful headers, Gent equalized in the 57th minute. Yaremchuk made his way through the left side and crossed into the penalty area where Laurent Depoitre scored for 1:1.

Gent's pressure once again produced a goal in the 71st minute thanks to a Depoitre header for 2:1.

The home side had their last chance at the 80th minute, though Yaremchuk's header went over the crossbar.

The return game in Rijeka will be played in one week. 

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