Latvian champions RFS recovered from an early setback to secure a valuable 2-1 away victory over Northern Irish side Glentoran in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League first qualifying round tie, with substitute Mārtiņš Ķigurs scoring twice to give Viktors Morozs’ side the advantage ahead of next week’s return leg in Rīga.
The evening could hardly have begun in a more worrying fashion for the visitors. Inside the opening minute, Glentoran threatened from a set-piece, with a header flashing narrowly wide of Jevgeņijs Nerugals’ goal as RFS struggled to deal with the early aerial pressure.
RFS were then forced into an early change after Ismael Diomande picked up an injury, with Ķigurs introduced in the 32nd minute. The substitution would ultimately prove decisive.
Despite settling into the match, Morozs’ side were punished seven minutes before the interval. Ryan Cooney’s corner found defender Zeno Rossi at the near post, and the centre-back powered a header beyond Nerugals to hand Glentoran a 1-0 lead.
However, RFS responded immediately before the break. In first-half stoppage time, Ķigurs struck from the edge of the penalty area, forcing Glentoran goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai into a save. The rebound came back off the post, and the midfielder reacted quickest to fire home from close range, ensuring the Latvian champions went into half-time level at 1-1.
The equaliser completely changed the momentum of the contest. RFS controlled much of the second half and came close to taking the lead on several occasions. Rostand Ndjiki created an excellent opportunity for Ķigurs shortly before the hour mark, but the midfielder was unable to convert.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 70th minute. Stefan PaniC found Ķigurs outside the penalty area, and the Latvian midfielder unleashed a powerful low effort from around 24 metres. The ball bounced awkwardly just in front of Gyollai, deceiving the goalkeeper before nestling in the back of the net to complete Ķigurs’ second goal of the evening and turn the tie on its head.
Morozs freshened his side with a triple substitution shortly afterwards, introducing Gauthier Mankenda, Darko LemajiC and Roberts Savaļnieks to help see out the closing stages.
Glentoran searched for an equaliser but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, while RFS defended their slender advantage well to claim an important away victory.
The result leaves the Latvian champions in a strong position heading into next Thursday’s second leg in Rīga, where they will look to finish the job and book a place in the second qualifying round.
Should RFS progress, they will face the loser of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round tie between Azerbaijani champions Qarabağ and Icelandic side Vestri. Qarabağ already hold a commanding 3-0 advantage after the first leg.
Glentoran vs FC RFS – 1-2 (1-1)
Goals: Rossi 38′ | Ķigurs 45′ 70′
