[Yonhap]
[Yonhap]

South Korea national team striker Cho Gue-sung of FC Midtjylland scored his first goal of the season in European club competition Friday.

Midtjylland defeated Rijeka of Croatia 2-0 at MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark, in the first leg of their 2026-27 UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) playoff Friday, with Cho's opening goal proving the decisive strike.

Starting as the lone striker, Cho broke the deadlock in the 20th minute by heading home a cross from Franculino to give Midtjylland the lead.

It was Cho's first goal in seven official matches this season.

Including last season, the strike came roughly five months after his previous goal — scored in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 against Nottingham Forest on March 13, a match Midtjylland won 1-0.

Midtjylland extended their lead in the 48th minute when Sofus Johannesen added a second to seal the 2-0 victory.

Cho played approximately 74 minutes before being substituted off.

With the home win secured, Midtjylland need only a draw in the away second leg on Friday to advance to the UECL group stage.


min3654@heraldcorp.com