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2026-08-27 09:22 UTC → 2026-08-29 21:12 UTC ·
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Riga advances past Vardar to FC qualifies for UEFA Conference League play-offs league phase
Vardar entered the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second‑qualifying round still reeling from a 3‑2 first‑leg loss to Riga at the Todor Proeski Stadium in Skopje. During the first leg, Vardar’s Diego Castanyeda and Gerzon Rodrigues scored, but Riga secured the win through goals from Gallo, Siker, and Reginaldo Ramirez. Coach Cristian Fabiani attributed the loss to goalkeeper errors, stating, “our own mistakes decided the match.” Tensions were further heightened by reports of Riga players creating disorder in Vardar’s dressing‑room, including breaking furniture. On 27 July, coach Fabiani confirmed most of the squad would travel to Latvia, while captain Azar Omeragic pledged a disciplined, error‑free fight for the club’s colours, noting that Hoakin Torres and Boban Nikolov would miss the match. The following day, Riga FC overturned the deficit, winning 5‑2 after extra time to secure an 8‑4 aggregate victory. This result eliminated Vardar and sent Riga into the next round. Following their progression, Riga FC moved into has successfully qualified for the UEFA Conference League play-off stage. In their first leg against Faroese league phase after defeating Faroe Islands side Klaksvík KI, Riga recorded a 0-0 away draw. Defender Raivis Jurkovskis described the result as positive despite missed opportunities, noting the importance of the upcoming return leg at Skonto Stadium to secure KI with a place in the tournament group stage. A victory in the upcoming second leg would make 2-1 aggregate score. This achievement makes Riga only the third Latvian club to reach the group stages of a UEFA tournament, following competition, joining Ventspils and RFS. Riga’s path Under the tournament’s new format, 36 teams will compete in a single league table. The top eight teams will advance directly to this stage also included the round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th will enter a victory over Hungary's Géros ETO, play-off round. The bottom 12 teams will be eliminated from European competition following a Champions League qualification loss the conclusion of the six matches. Riga’s opponents for the league phase have been confirmed. The club is scheduled to Ararat-Armenia. host Atalanta of Italy, Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan, and Czech side Jablonec. Their away fixtures will include matches against Pafos of Cyprus, Borac of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kauno Žalgiris of Lithuania.