In painful contrast to last season’s Europa league campaign by RFS, Baltic football has endured a summer to forget after clubs from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia all failed to progress to the main stages of any UEFA competition.
Lithuania offered the brightest spark through Žalgiris Kaunas, who beat Penybont of Wales and Iceland’s Valur to reach the third qualifying round of the Conference League. Their run ended against Arda Kardzhali of Bulgaria after an early red card left them with ten men. Hegelmann FC fell to Ireland’s St Patrick’s Athletic, while Banga Gargždai were comfortably beaten by Rosenborg. Zalgiris Vilnius, the reigning champions, slid into what many have labelled a crisis season, marked by poor recruitment and protests in the stands.
Latvia’s best hope came from Riga FC, who overcame Dila Gori and Beitar Jerusalem before falling narrowly to Sparta Prague. A 1–0 home win at the Skonto was a highlight, but poor game management in away legs proved costly. RFS, who reached the Europa League groups two years ago, were eliminated by Ħamrun Spartans of Malta, while Auda and Daugavpils also failed to advance.
For Estonia, Paide suffered an 8–0 aggregate defeat to AIK, and Levadia went out to opposition from Luxembourg in what many described as an unacceptable result.
The summer left few positives beyond sold-out crowds at Riga’s LNK and Skonto stadiums. With no Baltic side in Europe this season, the region faces not only a dent to pride but also a major financial setback. The message is clear: if Baltic clubs are to return to Europe, sharper recruitment, greater professionalism and stronger performances will be required.
