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Riga FC Faces Sparta Prague in Crucial Conference League Playoff
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Photo: Riga FC
riga, Latvia – Riga FC will host Sparta Prague tonight in the decisive qualification playoff match for the UEFA Europa Conference League. The game,set to kick off at 7:45 PM local time at Skonto stadium,will be broadcast live on Sportacentrs.com and TV4.
Riga carries a notable advantage into the second leg, having secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Sparta Prague in the first match played in Prague. A win or even a draw at home would guarantee their place in the Conference League group stage.
Road to the Playoffs
Riga FC navigated a challenging path to reach this stage of the competition. They overcame georgian side Dila Gori in a thrilling second-round encounter, winning 5-4 on aggregate. Their subsequent third-round tie against Beitar Jerusalem was equally dramatic, ending in a 4-3 victory for the Latvian club.
Sparta Prague also demonstrated their attacking prowess in the earlier rounds. They dispatched Aktobe of Kazakhstan 5-2 in the second round and followed up with a dominant 6-2 win against Ararat-Armenia of Yerevan in the third round.
Another Latvian Team in Action
Also on Thursday,Riga Football School (RFS) will face Hamrun Spartans of Malta in Riga. RFS will need to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to advance to the group stage.
The stakes are high for both Latvian clubs. Success in the playoffs secures a coveted spot in the Conference League group tournament, while defeat signals the end of their European campaign for this season.
Previous Conference League Champions
It’s worth noting that Auda and Daugavpils where eliminated in the earlier rounds of the Conference League qualifications. Last season, Chelsea FC of London emerged victorious in the inaugural Conference League final, defeating Real Betis of Seville 4-1.
The match promises to be a captivating contest, with both teams eager to claim their place in the prestigious Conference league group stage. Fans are anticipating a lively atmosphere at Skonto Stadium as Riga FC aims to complete a memorable European run.
As a point of context, the UEFA Europa Conference League was established in 2021 as a third-tier European club competition, offering a pathway for clubs from smaller nations to compete on the continental stage.
| Team | Round | Opponent | Aggregate score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riga FC | Second Round | Dila Gori | 5-4 |
| Riga FC | Third Round | Beitar Jerusalem | 4-3 |
| Sparta Prague | Second Round | Aktobe | 5-2 |
| Sparta Prague | Third Round | Ararat-Armenia | 6-2 |
| RFS | Playoff Round | Hamrun Spartans | 0-1 (First Leg) |
