FC RFS will head to Finland next week with everything still to play for after suffering a narrow 1-2 defeat at home to Finnish champions KuPS in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. Despite a much-improved second-half display, a poor opening 45 minutes left the Latvian side chasing the game.
RFS head coach Viktors Morozs faced significant selection challenges before kickoff. Captain Žiga Lipušček was only fit enough for the bench due to illness, while regular center-back Herdi Prenga and winger Lasha Odisharia remained sidelined through injury. The resulting backline featured a makeshift pairing of Elvis Stuglis and Roberts Veips in central defense, with Petr Mareš returning at left-back and Roberts Savaļnieks starting on the right. In midfield, suspended playmaker Jānis Ikaunieks was replaced by Tayrell Wouter.
Despite the disruption, RFS started brightly, controlling possession and territory. However, their lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly. KuPS, compact and disciplined, absorbed the early pressure and struck on the counter.
In the 21st minute, Stefan Panic conceded a free kick just outside the box and was booked. From the resulting set-piece, Jaakko Oksanen produced a moment of magic, curling the ball past a helpless Marko Marić to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Things quickly worsened for RFS. A risky distribution by Marić to Mareš led to a defensive mix-up. Under pressure, Mareš’s pass was intercepted after a deflection, and confusion between Stuglis and Panic allowed Mohamed Toure to capitalize. The KuPS forward calmly chipped over Marić to double the lead in the 36th minute.
In response, Morozs made a tactical change, subbing off Mareš for Strahinja Rakić and switching to a 3-5-2 system. Rashid Njie dropped into the back line, and RFS began to show more intent. Their best first-half chance fell to Darko Lemajić, whose powerful shot was blocked by a defender.
At halftime, RFS trailed 0-2 with just one shot recorded. Morozs made further changes, bringing on Dāvis Ikaunieks for Lemajić, while an early second-half injury to Wouter saw Barthelemy Diedhiou introduced.
The hosts started the second half with renewed energy. Ikaunieks nearly pulled one back after slipping behind the defense, but his shot was deflected just wide. With the home fans growing louder, RFS gained momentum. Gaye was fouled near the box, and from Savaļnieks’ cross, Rakić fired just over from close range.
The pressure eventually paid off. In the 70th minute, Diedhiou pounced on a misjudged advance from the KuPS goalkeeper, lobbing the ball into an open net to make it 1-2 and spark hopes of a comeback.
RFS continued to push for an equalizer, but the final minutes produced no clear chances. KuPS held on to their slim lead, taking a valuable advantage back to Finland.
Despite the result, RFS can take heart from their second-half performance. With key players potentially returning for the second leg, and just one goal separating the sides, everything remains open in this tie.
FC RFS vs KuPS – 1:2 (0:2)
Goals: Diedhiou 62’ |Oksanen 14’, Toure 24’
RFS: Maric, Mares (Rakic 32’, Ķigurs 77′), Stuglis, Veips, Savaļnieks, Njie, Panic, Talla, Wouter (Diedhiou 50’), Zelenkovs, Lemajic (D.Ikaunieks 46’)
