Riga ends four-year away winless run in European competitions with thriller in Skopje
Latvian champions Riga FC secured their first away victory in European competitions since 2022, beating North Macedonia's Vardar 3-2 in a dramatic comeback.
After four years and nine winless away matches in European tournaments, Latvian club Riga FC finally tasted victory on the road. On Friday, they overturned a deficit, lost the lead, and ultimately snatched a 3-2 win over Vardar in Skopje. This marks their first away win since July 21, 2022, when they defeated Slovakia's Ružomberok 3-0.
Riga started brightly, creating several chances. In the 13th minute, Costa Rican captain Orlando Galo hit the crossbar after a pass from Raki Avani. However, Vardar gradually grew into the game and took the lead in the 28th minute through Diego Castañeda, who beat Raivis Jurkovskis and slotted home from close range (1-0).
The visitors responded quickly. In the 35th minute, Galo headed from Jurkovskis' cross, and Vardar goalkeeper Davores Taleski made a mistake, letting the ball in (1-1). Just four minutes later, Riga were ahead: a fine build-up in the box saw Jagu Siqueira redirect Galo's pass into the net (2-1).
Midway through the second half, Vardar equalized. After a cross to the far post, Luxembourg's record scorer Gerson Rodrigues headed the ball into the near corner (2-2). The hosts then missed a chance from close range, and in the 81st minute, Riga snatched the winner. A swift combination down the left flank ended with Jagu firing home from the edge of the box after an assist from Andrés Salazar (3-2).
Statistics were even in shots (14 each) and corners (3 each), but Riga had more shots on target (7-3). The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday at Skonto Stadium, but Riga will be without Salah Ulad due to accumulated yellow cards.
