Guļa: 0-2 is not a good result, but it's only the first half

Riga FC head coach Adriāns Guļa commented on his team's 0-2 defeat in the first round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers against Armenian champions Ararat-Armenia, stating that while the result is not good, it is only the first half of the tie.

Guļa noted positive aspects of the performance, such as adapting after the first minutes and maintaining balance between attack and defense. However, he was dissatisfied with the pressing intensity and aggression in the penalty area, especially in the first half, where the team conceded easy set-piece opportunities.

Despite showing good football in the second half, Riga conceded both goals during that period. The first goal came from insufficient defensive aggression, while the second involved Orol's red card, which Guļa did not see as he was focused on the opponent's half. Playing with ten men, the team conceded another easy goal, which the coach attributed to the entire defensive line's mistakes, not just substitute goalkeeper Zviedrs.

Despite the setback, Guļa emphasized that the team has the ability to win at home. He urged calmness and confidence, as a 0-2 deficit is not insurmountable. The return match is scheduled for July 14 in Riga.