RC Strasbourg Alsace took control of their UEFA Europa Conference League round-of-16 tie with a 2-1 away victory over HNK Rijeka, extending their unbeaten run in the competition to seven matches (W6, D1).

Rijeka had already made history by reaching this stage of a UEFA competition for the first time, and the hosts would have hoped to keep things tight early on while they settled into the occasion.

However, Strasbourg — who finished top of the league phase — had other plans and struck after just 73 seconds.

A swift move forward ended with Sebastian Nanasi cutting inside from the left before picking out Joaquin Panichelli. The striker took a touch and fired past Martin Zlomislic for only his second goal of the UECL campaign.

Panichelli could easily have added to his tally but squandered several chances. He first attempted to lob Zlomislic, only to see his effort drift wide, before the Rijeka goalkeeper produced a fine save low to his right from a powerful shot inside the box.

The Argentine remained Strasbourg’s biggest threat as the half progressed, though his frustration grew when he was denied by the woodwork.

Rijeka were largely second-best in the opening period but nearly drew level midway through the half when Toni Fruk forced a strong save from Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders with a shot from a tight angle.

Strasbourg again started quickly after the restart in their pursuit of a second goal. Julio Enciso created an opportunity five minutes into the half, surging into the box and unleashing a powerful strike that was well stopped by Zlomislic.

Andrew Omobamidele then tried his luck, but his effort sailed over the bar. Strasbourg continued to press and thought they had doubled their lead just after the hour when Nanasi curled home a superb effort, only for the offside flag to deny him.

The visitors eventually did add a second goal with 15 minutes remaining. Substitute Martial Godo — who had replaced Nanasi — reacted quickest to fire home from close range after Guela Doue’s initial strike had been saved.

Yet Rijeka responded almost immediately to halve the deficit. Tiago Dantas delivered a free-kick into the box that was powerfully headed home by Daniel Majstorovic, who had been left unmarked.

The Croatian side pushed for an equaliser late on but struggled to break down Strasbourg’s defence, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of next week’s second leg.

The French side now hold a narrow advantage and will be confident of finishing the job at home, though Rijeka were unbeaten away during the league phase and will believe they can still turn the tie around.