Historic moment: Riga RFS - the first team from the Baltic states to advance to the main stage of the Europa League.

2024-08-29 22:53 © IMAGO/Romans Koksarovs

The Riga RFS, where Lithuanian Paulius Jakelis works, made history in the Baltic states.

After defeating the Cypriot champions APOEL in a two-match series, the Riga club advanced to the main stage of the European League.

The series unfolded very dramatically, as RFS had a two-goal advantage with just 20 minutes left in the match. However, goals from Mateo Sušić and Anastasios Donis extended the game for an additional 30 minutes.

In the end, a penalty shootout was also required. During it, the Latvians did not miss any shots, while the Cypriot team representatives failed to convert two penalties. Both in the shootout and during the match, Janis Ikaunieks scored, who is the brother of Davis Ikauniekas, playing for "Šiauliai".

Tomorrow, the draws for the European League will be held, where the Riga club could face opponents such as "AS Roma," "Tottenham," "Manchester United," "Athletic," "Ajax," and bring them to the capital of Latvia.