Riga came from behind to beat Vardar Skopje in the Conference League qualifiers.
Riga came from behind to beat Vardar Skopje 2-3 at Toše Proeski Arena, Skopje, in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League; Vardar Skopje suffered a defeat at home.
- 0'The match has started.
Vardar Skopje hosts Riga.
- 15 minutesM. Matic received an early yellow card.
In the 15th minute, M. Matic of Vardar Skopje received a yellow card. The match remains 0-0.
- 20'B. Musah received a yellow card.
In the 20th minute, B. Musah of Riga received a yellow card. The match at Gradski Park continued to be tense as both teams had a player cautioned.
- 21'Riga received another yellow card.
In the 21st minute, O. Galo of Riga received a yellow card after a foul. The match remained tense as Riga received several more warnings.
- 28'D. Castaneda puts Vardar Skopje ahead.
In the 28th minute, D. Castaneda scored, giving Vardar Skopje a 1-0 lead against Riga. The home team now holds the advantage after this crucial goal.
- 35'Riga responded, bringing the game back to a tie.
In the 35th minute, O. Galo scored for Riga after an assist from R. Jurkovskis, bringing the score to 1-1. The visitors quickly equalized after Vardar Skopje took the lead.
- 39'Iago Siqueira helped Riga take the lead.
In the 39th minute, Iago Siqueira scored for Riga after an assist from O. Galo, putting the score at 1-2. Riga completed their comeback in just a few minutes.
- 43'R. Jurkovskis received a yellow card before halftime.
In the 43rd minute, R. Jurkovskis of Riga received a yellow card. Riga ended the first half with a lead over Vardar Skopje.
- 45'End of the first half
At the end of the first half, the score was 1-2.
- 46'The second half has begun.
The second half has begun.
- 52'S. Oulad M'Hand received a yellow card.
In the 52nd minute, S. Oulad M'Hand (Riga) received a yellow card. The away team needs to be more cautious as they are leading Vardar Skopje 2-1.
- 57'Riga made a substitution in the 57th minute.
In the 57th minute, Riga brought Caio Ferreira on to replace S. Oulad M'Hand. The visitors were leading Vardar Skopje when this substitution was made.
- 59'Vardar Skopje was substituted in the 59th minute.
In the 59th minute, N. Bosancic came on as a substitute for B. Nikolov for Vardar Skopje. The home team could hope this substitution would make a difference, as they were trailing Riga 1-2.
- 59'G. Zakaric came on in the 59th minute.
In the 59th minute, G. Zakaric came on as a substitute for Miguel Pires for Vardar Skopje. Zakaric's appearance provided a new option for Vardar Skopje while they were trailing Riga.
- 66'G. Rodrigues helped Vardar Skopje equalize.
In the 66th minute, G. Rodrigues scored for Vardar Skopje after an assist from G. Zakaric, bringing the score to 2-2. The home team found the equalizer after an exciting back-and-forth match.
- 67'Riga made a substitution in the 67th minute.
In the 67th minute (Riga), Paulo Eduardo came on to replace R. Aouani. With the game tied 2-2, Riga made another personnel change.
- 67'Reginaldo Ramires came on as a substitute for Riga.
In the 67th minute, Riga brought Reginaldo Ramires on to replace M. Badamosi. The substitution came immediately after Vardar Skopje equalized, bringing the game back to a tie.
- 81'Reginaldo Ramires put Riga ahead.
In the 81st minute, Reginaldo Ramires scored for Riga after an assist from A. Salazar, putting the visitors ahead 3-2 against Vardar Skopje. Riga held the advantage in the final minutes of the match.
- 87'Riga made a substitution in the 87th minute.
In the 87th minute, K. Wassom came on as a substitute for O. Galo for Riga. The visitors were leading, and this substitution helped them refresh their squad in the final minutes.
- 90+1'F. Najdovski received a yellow card in injury time.
In the 90+1st minute, F. Najdovski of Vardar Skopje received a yellow card. This was a notable reminder at a time when the home team was trailing Riga 2-3.
- KTFinal score: Vardar Skopje 2-3 Riga
The match ended with a score of 2-3.
Updated at 02:53 on 23/07/2026
Match information
Vardar Skopje will face Riga in the UEFA Europa Conference League at 01:00 on July 23, 2026. The match will take place at Gradski Park, where both teams will begin the contest with a cautious approach and focus on controlling the game.
Since recent form data, team strength, and expected lineups are not yet available, it is not possible to specifically assess the advantages of each side or identify players who can make a difference. Therefore, the focus before the match will be on how Vardar Skopje and Riga organize their play in the opening stages.
The match at Gradski Park
For Vardar Skopje, playing at Gradski Park could give the home team more control in their ball distribution and pressure. However, home advantage will only be significant if they maintain a well-organized formation, minimize space behind the midfield, and make good use of set pieces.
Conversely, Riga will likely need to prioritize defensive solidity in the early stages of the match. The ability to escape pressing, transition quickly, and exploit space when the opponent pushes forward could be crucial factors for the visitors.
Pre-match analysis
This match-up lacks sufficient data to draw definitive conclusions about the balance of power or the likely outcome. The course of the game could largely depend on which team controls the midfield and maintains focus during transitional moments.
Overall, Vardar Skopje has the basis to take the initiative thanks to playing at home, while Riga will look to reduce pressure and wait for opportunities to counter-attack. The match at Gradski Park promises to be decided by tactical discipline, efficiency in the final touches, and the ability to capitalize on the opponent's mistakes.
*This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI).
