Riga 5-2 Vardar result, stats and report

KÍ and Riga played out a goalless draw in their UEFA Europa Conference League fixture, but the underlying structure of the match reveals a game far more nuanced than a blank scoreline implies.

Riga controlled large portions of this Conference League first leg in Hungary, only to be denied by a late 88th-minute equaliser that rescues a 1-1 draw for Győri ETO and keeps the tie very much alive heading into the second leg.

Riga secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Győri ETO in the UEFA Europa Conference League, with an early own goal doing the damage in a match that the statistics suggest was far more one-sided than the scoreline implies.

Riga produced a stunning second-half and extra-time turnaround to beat Vardar 5-2 in the UEFA Europa Conference League, scoring four goals after the 87th minute to advance. Vardar led twice but simply could not compete with Riga's relentless attacking pressure.

Riga built a commanding first-half lead before Ararat-Armenia mounted a spirited second-half fightback, only for the home side to seal a 3-2 victory with a 90th-minute penalty in a bruising Champions League qualifier.

Vardar nicked it in extra time. KuPS had more of everything and still went home empty.

Riga host KÍ on Thursday 27 August in the UEFA Europa Conference League, and the numbers are pointing one way. Jay Thompson breaks down the form, the vibes, and yes, there might be an acca in here somewhere.

Riga claimed a 1-0 victory in the first leg just seven days ago, and they travel to Hungary on Thursday evening knowing that defending what they have already won is the most dangerous game of all. Rafa Mbeki has the final thoughts before kick-off.