As Riga FC prepare to host Israeli giants Beitar Jerusalem in the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round, all eyes are on what promises to be a high-stakes encounter both on and off the pitch. Israeli football commentator, co-host of the Zion 3 podcast and avid Beitar supporter Moshe Ziat provided a candid look into the club’s volatile blend of politics, passion, and tactical unpredictability in a recent podcast interview.
Political History Meets Football Reality
Beitar Jerusalem are no ordinary opponent. Founded in the 1930s and named after the right-wing Betar Zionist youth movement—established in Riga itself—the club carries a weighty political legacy. Often associated with the Israeli political right, including figures such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Beitar’s fan base reflects a blend of nationalist fervor and cultural pride, especially among Mizrahi Jews with roots in North Africa and the Middle East.
“It’s a club that is both elite and opposition,” said Ziat. “It’s linked to the right-wing establishment, but also known for an anarchist streak—challenging the state, the centre, the mainstream.”
European Return Sparks Controversy
Beitar’s return to European competition has been dramatic. After overcoming Sutjeska of Montenegro with a 5–2 comeback win in neutral Bucharest—due to the ongoing conflict in Israel preventing home fixtures—the club’s supporters made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Chants of “Death to Arabs” and stadium disruptions in Romania have put the club under UEFA scrutiny. It remains unclear whether Beitar will be allowed an official away section in Riga.
Still, Ziat expects fans to travel: “Even if UEFA bans organised support, many will come individually. Whether they behave—well, I can’t promise that.”
Tactical Overview: Firepower Up Front, Flaws at the Back
On the field, Beitar pose a potent attacking threat. They typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation with dynamic wingers Omer Atzili and Yarden Shua—two of the top five players in Israel, according to Ziat. A newly signed Nigerian striker adds further depth up front.
However, their defensive line is far less convincing. New centre-backs lack chemistry and quality, the right-back is out of form, and the goalkeeper is “quite mid,” Ziat admitted. “We like to control the game, but that comes at a price.”
Even against weaker opposition, Beitar have conceded soft goals—a vulnerability Riga FC may look to exploit.
Riga FC: Wealthy, Frustrated, and Ambitious
Riga FC are the richest club in the Baltics by a wide margin, yet remain underachievers on the European stage. Despite a deep and competitive squad featuring local stars such as Costa Rican midfielder Orlando Galo and Brazilian striker Reginaldo Ramires, the club has never qualified for Europe.
The club’s instability has often undermined its ambitions—frequent coaching changes and short-term planning have prevented the team from establishing a clear identity. However, under current head coach Adrián Guľa, there are signs of greater structure and consistency. Sitting atop the Virslīga, Riga FC have their strongest domestic campaign since their 2020 title and are determined to finally break their European curse.
First Leg Looms Large
The first leg will be played at Skonto Stadium in Riga on Thursday. The return leg venue remains unconfirmed due to the ongoing conflict in Israel.
We predict this to be an even tie with Riga FC being slight favourites at home.
First leg kick-off is this Thursday at 20:00 at Skonto Stadium in Riga. Return leg is on August 14th at 20:30 at Stadionul Ilie Oană in Ploiești, Romania.
