It seemed like a repeat of the late defeat in Frankfurt when RFS conceded an 85th minute goal against visiting RSC Anderlecht in the fourth round of 2024/2025 Europa League, but the defiance and perseverance of the home team paid off with a 96th minute equaliser that sent Daugava Stadium off with relief and jubilation!
Having previously drawn Turkish giants Galatasaray on this same pitch, RFS have now earned two points in this year’s Europa League, remaining undefeated at home.
Adam Markhiev, whose shot rebounded off the right post of Anderlecht’s goal only to get picked up and crossed back into the box by Luka Silagadze for an own goal by the visitor’s defender, reflected:
“A draw is also a great result – small club from Latvia took points away from a giant Belgian club. It is difficult to say if we deserved a draw as we spent most of the game in defence, but we did give it all and it would have been a pity to lose. We conceded from a counter attack after I lost the ball. It all happened so quick that I don’t fully remember everything. I was hoping that he will not score from such a difficult angle, but you saw the quality of their players yourself.
As to my shot, scoring goals is not my strong suite, so I was very glad when my shot came off the post and Luka managed to pick it up and cross back into the box. This is already second game in a row when I hit the post. First, in Frankfurt, and now tonight. Both of these give me a lot to think about and to work on during training sessions but, ultimately, I am a defensive player and scoring goals is not my primary job – I hope that Janis Ikaunieks can do this in my place!”
After round 4, RFS find themselves with 2 points and in the 31st position (out of 36). Next match will be after the international break against Greek Champions PAOK on the 28th November at 19:45
