UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifying: Riga FC 1–2 FC Vardar Skopje

FC Vardar Skopje took a crucial step towards the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League after a 2–1 away victory against Riga FC on 29 July 2026. The Macedonian side showed clinical finishing in the first half and held firm after a second‑half fightback from the Latvian champions.

Match Summary

Played on a warm evening at the Skonto Stadium in Riga, both sides started cautiously in the first qualifying round second leg. Vardar, trailing 1–0 from the first leg, needed to score to stay alive in the tie. They did so in emphatic fashion.

Key Moments

• 23' – 0–1: Striker Marko Gjorgjievski latched onto a through ball and fired low past the Riga goalkeeper from 15 yards.
• 41' – 0–2: A corner was headed home by central defender Stefan Pavlov, giving Vardar a commanding lead on the night.
• 61' – 1–2: Riga pulled one back through midfielder Jānis Ikaunieks, who curled a free kick over the wall into the top corner.

Despite heavy pressure in the final 20 minutes, Vardar’s defence, marshalled by veteran captain Pavlov, held firm. Goalkeeper Damjan Shishkovski made three crucial saves to preserve the lead.

Tactical Story

Riga FC manager Ivo Zēbergs switched to a 4‑4‑2 after halftime to chase the game, but Vardar’s disciplined 5‑4‑1 formation made it difficult for the home side to find space in the box. The visitors’ willingness to sit deep and absorb pressure paid off, as Riga could only create half‑chances from distance.

Impact on the Tie

With the 2–1 win on the night, Vardar levelled the aggregate score at 2–2 and advanced on away goals (having scored once in Skopje). Riga FC, who topped the Latvian Virslīga in 2025, will now focus on domestic success after a disappointing European exit. Vardar move into the second qualifying round, where they will face either Vikingur Reykjavik or FC Dinamo Tbilisi.