Latvian Virslīga leaders RFS will have it all to do in next week’s return leg after suffering a 0-2 defeat away to Czech side Jablonec in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round tie.
RFS were forced into a late change before kick-off after first-choice goalkeeper Jevgeņijs Nerugals picked up an injury during the warm-up. Rihards Matrevics was drafted into the starting line-up, making his first appearance since the Virslīga match against Jelgava on 20 July.
The hosts made the brighter start and found the breakthrough in the 18th minute through their first real opportunity. Filip Zorvan delivered a cross into the penalty area where Georgian midfielder Giorgi Chanturishvili rose above Aleksandr Filipovic and guided a header beyond the helpless Matrevics to put Jablonec in front.
RFS gradually settled into the contest after conceding and managed to enjoy spells of possession, although clear-cut opportunities remained limited. Their best chance of the opening half came from a set piece when Žiga Lipušček rose highest but headed over the crossbar.
Although the Latvian champions controlled more of the ball after the restart and patiently built attacks, they struggled to break down the well-organised Czech defence or create meaningful chances.
Instead, Jablonec doubled their advantage in spectacular fashion. Matej Polidar met the ball just inside the penalty area and produced an outstanding header that flew into the top corner, leaving Matrevics with no chance and putting the hosts firmly in control.
The Czech side continued to look the more dangerous team throughout the remainder of the second half. While Jablonec registered seven shots after the break, RFS managed only three and were unable to seriously test the home goalkeeper.
The visitors did push forward during the closing stages in search of an important away goal, but despite enjoying more territory they failed to create a genuine scoring opportunity.
The 0-2 defeat leaves RFS facing a difficult task in next week’s second leg in Rīga, where they will need to overturn the two-goal deficit if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching the UEFA Conference League play-off round.
Jablonec vs RFS – 2-0 (1-0)
