APOEL Vs RFS

APOEL must overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Latvian champions Rigas Futbola Skola when they meet on Thursday at the GSP Stadium, if they hope to advance to the group stage of the Europa League.

In the first leg on August 22, APOEL struggled to breach the visitors' resolute defense despite enjoying the majority of possession. Defensively, the home team also showed vulnerabilities.

Match Preview

In the UEFA Europa League qualifying playoff match between Rigas Futbola Skola (RFS) and APOEL, which took place on August 22, 2024, Cypriot side APOEL had 62% of the ball but could only muster five shots, with three on target.

Striker Youssef El Arabi managed to reduce the deficit in the 52nd minute, capitalizing on a misjudged clearance from RFS's Ziga Lipuscek in the penalty area. Despite this, APOEL struggled to assert dominance after scoring, and were arguably fortunate not to concede a third goal.

Manager David Gallego faces a challenging situation as his team is currently winless in their last four matches and has only one victory in their last seven competitive fixtures. The defeat in the first leg adds to a disappointing trend in European competitions, with only one win in their last seven European encounters, coupled with four losses and one draw. APOEL’s performance at home has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five competitive matches at the GSP Stadium.

In contrast, Rigas Futbola Skola, who had just 38% possession in the first leg, created more threatening opportunities than APOEL despite registering only four shots on target. The Latvian champions took the lead with a goal from forward Alain Cedric Herve Kouadio in the 31st minute, assisted by Janis Ikaunieks.

Ikaunieks then added a second goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time at the end of the first half, reflecting a scoreline that was justified by RFS’s performance.

Currently leading their domestic league with 66 points from 26 matches, RFS drew 0-0 with Riga FC in their latest fixture on August 25. Prior to this draw, RFS had won six consecutive matches, with the draw being just their fourth away from home in their last 17 road games.

As APOEL prepares for the decisive second leg, they will need to overcome their recent struggles and defensively frail performances to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the Europa League group stage.