Tactical Breakdown: Noa’s early goal and pragmatic style against Rijeka

For the Armenian champion, it was crucial to win the opening match of the UEFA Conference League. The Croatian club was one of the weaker opponents at this stage, and dropping points here would have complicated the battle for a playoff spot.

Noah started the match calmly, studying their opponent. The visitors, however, tried to raise the tempo with a quick counterattack and earned a dangerous free kick near the penalty area. Fortunately for the Yerevan side, the shot by Rijeka’s most expensive player, Toni Fruk, whistled just wide of the left post.

Soon the hosts realized that attacking down the right flank was more promising. In the 6th minute, one of their combinations led to a corner kick. It seemed that Osima spoiled the chance with a poor cross, but Mulahusejnovic managed to strike the ball with his foot to at least direct it toward goal. Sangare didn’t reach the ball but blocked the goalkeeper’s vision. At the last moment, Zlomislic tried to punch it away but completely missed — 1:0.

After an early goal, there’s always the question of the next step: play defensively and counter, or keep attacking? Perhaps Noah would have played on the break, but Rijeka themselves made things easier for the hosts.

In the 29th minute, Rijeka were reduced to ten men after a straight red card to Niko Jankovic for a rough foul on Yan Brice Eteki.

Despite the setback, the Croatians kept attacking, but their moves were predictable and stopped already in midfield. They lacked creativity while wasting a lot of energy. The deficit became even clearer after the break: from the 50th minute, Noah fully controlled the game and could have doubled the lead. The best chance came to Ferreyra, who almost smashed the ball into the near top corner, but Zlomislic saved well, deflecting it for a corner.

Seeing his team’s fatigue, Victor Sanchez brought on forward Adu-Agyei and midfielder Dantas. One could say the changes helped Rijeka, but in reality, the rhythm was dictated entirely by Noah. Perkovic’s team controlled the game, torn between calmly holding the result and scoring again. In the end, they attacked selectively: without unnecessary risks, yet without abandoning offense. In one counter, Yakolis and Ferreyra broke through two-on-one, but Yakolis delayed the pass and shot tamely himself.

Despite Noah’s pragmatic style, Rijeka nearly equalized in the closing stages. Dantas, known for clutch goals, fired on target, but his shot was blocked. The rebound flew to the right of the goalkeeper, but too slowly — Fayulu secured the ball and the win.

This victory is highly significant for Perkovic’s team. It boosted confidence, set a positive tone, and placed them firmly in the playoff zone.

Of course, Rijeka were not the toughest test of Noah’s readiness for the European season. But it is clear that when needed, the Armenian champion can play more aggressively. Noah has potential, and also the experience to use their energy wisely.