Vardar loses 3-2 to Riga in UEFA Conference League

Vardar hosted Latvian side Riga at the National Arena "Todor Proeski" in Skopje for the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second‑qualifying round. Riga opened the scoring in the 11th minute and went 2‑1 ahead before halftime. Vardar equalised through Diego Castanyeda, but Riga responded with goals from Jago Sikera and Reginaldo Ramirez, finishing the match 3‑2.

Vardar coach Cristian Fabbiani said the team played well but "our own mistakes decided the match", adding that the club must improve its discipline for the return leg. The second leg is scheduled for 28 July in Riga, where Vardar will need a positive result to stay in the competition.