TODAY WE ARE HEADING TO CROATIA TO PREPARE FOR THE SECOND LEG OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIER AGAINST HNK RIJEKA. A TOTAL OF 20 PLAYERS (THREE GOALKEEPERS AND 17 OUTFIELD PLAYERS) ARE TO TAKE OFF FROM SALZBURG AT 13:00 TO STAY IN OPATIJA FOR TWO DAYS - WHICH IS AROUND 30 MINUTES FROM THE RUJEVICA STADIUM.

The Austrian double winners retain a realistic chance of progressing against the Croat champions and cup winners following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, but coach Marco Rose is aware of just how tough it will be:

We have to perform in a stadium in which 6,000 fans make an atmosphere like 60,000. It is important to believe from the first minute on that we can do it. We don't want to just say that, we want to show that right from the start. We go into the game needing a goal. That could mean that Rijeka will focus on the counter attack even more than they did in Salzburg.

The Red Bulls are unbeaten under their new coach, with four wins and two draws in competitive games (goal difference of 17-2).

Duje Caleta-Car, the Red Bulls' Croatian centre back, is looking forward to playing in his homeland:

It'll be great to play at home and it's going to be special for me with a lot of friends and family there. We know that we are going to face difficult opponents and a fierce atmosphere. We believe in our opportunities and abilities, but we need to play as well as we possibly can to make the next round.

Not available for action are Samuel Tetteh (knee), Xaver Schlager, Valentino Lazaro (both ankle injuries) and David Atanga (metatarsal). Stefan Stangl (pulled muscle) is out, as is Marc Rzatkowski with muscular problems.