Rijeka secured a 3-1 victory over Olmissum in the first leg of the Croatian Futsal Cup final, setting the tone for a gripping two-leg series. The game, played in front of a full house at Trsat Hall, saw Rijeka come from behind to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Olmissum took the lead through a goal by Toni Kirevski, but Teo Turk and Rafinha, who scored twice, turned the tide for the hosts.

Dramatic First Leg in Rijeka

Despite entering the series weakened by yellow cards, Rijeka's players Dani Fernandez, Manolo Bilić, and Luka Suton were forced to watch from the stands, as was coach Alen Jukić, who was suspended after the semi-final. Olmissum also lacked a key player, as Iiro Vanha was absent due to a card. The match kicked off with Rijeka attacking in the third minute, but Elvir Husarić's shot was saved by Olmissum's goalkeeper Vinko Rozga. Olmissum retaliated, with David Barbarić's shot saved by Rijeka's Victor Sääf, and Jure Copić hitting the post.

In the fifth minute, Olmissum took a 0-1 lead when Toni Kirevski scored after an assist from Copić. Rijeka equalized in the 13th minute after an opponent's defensive mistake. Romeo Sušac lost the ball, and Teo Turk struck from the penalty area for a 1-1 tie, the score at halftime. In the 28th minute, Olmissum nearly took the lead, but Ante Kovačević's shot hit the post. Two minutes later, Rijeka took the lead. Rafinha intercepted a pass from goalkeeper Vinko Rozga and scored for a 2-1 lead.

Rijeka Takes Control

In the 38th minute, Olmissum had a chance to equalize, but Romeo Sušac's penalty was off target. Rafinha, the player of the match, sealed the victory with a goal in the 39th minute. This leaves Rijeka leading 1-0 in the series, with the second leg scheduled for the following week in Rijeka, followed by the decisive leg in Omiš.