RFS Vs Galatasaray

In the second round of fixtures for the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League group stage, Latvian champions Rigas Futbola Skola (RFS) are set to take on Turkish giants Galatasaray. The clash, scheduled for Thursday, will take place at the historic Daugavas Stadiona in Riga. Both sides come into this match on the back of contrasting results from their previous Europa League encounters. RFS suffered a heavy defeat in their opener, while Galatasaray cruised to an impressive victory. This match will be crucial for both teams, as RFS look to turn their fortunes around and Galatasaray aim to maintain their strong form in the competition.

RFS: Fighting to Recover from a Poor Start

Rigas Futbola Skola, Latvia’s dominant football club, have found themselves in a difficult position in their Europa League campaign. Currently sitting 35th in the overall Europa League table with no points to their name, they will be looking to improve after their 4-1 defeat to Romanian club FCSB on September 26. This loss was a heavy blow for RFS, not just in terms of the scoreline but also in how they were thoroughly outplayed throughout the match. Despite their promising domestic form, the defeat highlighted the gap between RFS and their European competition, with FCSB generating over two expected goals (xG) and firing 18 shots, creating three clear-cut chances. RFS struggled to match FCSB’s intensity and creativity, leading to their humbling defeat.

Yet, despite their loss, RFS remain a force to be reckoned with in Latvia. They are currently sitting atop the Virsliga, the Latvian top division, with an impressive 78 points from 30 games. Their dominance domestically is underlined by the fact that they are six points clear of their nearest rivals, Riga FC, who have played one more game than RFS. Under the guidance of head coach Viktors Morozs, RFS have been in scintillating form throughout the 2024 season, and their domestic performances have been a source of pride for their supporters.

Morozs, a former Latvian international who took over the reins of the club in 2020, has overseen a significant transformation in RFS's fortunes. While the club's recent Europa League setback may have been disappointing, it was only their second defeat in their last 14 competitive matches across all competitions. This suggests that their poor showing against FCSB may be a temporary blip rather than a sign of deeper issues within the team.

RFS’s Home Form: Fortress in Riga

When it comes to playing on home soil, RFS have been a dominant force in recent times. The team has won 18 of their last 20 home fixtures, making Daugavas Stadiona something of a fortress. Their Europa League record at home is also encouraging, with two wins from their three most recent matches in the competition. This strong home form will give them confidence as they prepare to face Galatasaray, one of the biggest clubs in Turkish football. Morozs will hope that the passionate home crowd can spur his side on to what would be a memorable result against the Turkish champions.

However, RFS will need to tighten up defensively if they are to have any chance of securing a positive result. Their performance against FCSB exposed several vulnerabilities in their backline, and against a team of Galatasaray's quality, any defensive lapses are likely to be punished. The team will also need to be more clinical in front of goal, having failed to create many clear-cut chances in their Europa League opener. With the stakes high, Morozs will need his players to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that can match the quality of their opposition.

Galatasaray: Turkish Giants in Fine Form

Galatasaray, on the other hand, come into this fixture in superb form. The Turkish Super Lig champions secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Greek side PAOK in their first Europa League match of the season on September 25. The Istanbul-based club produced a dominant display, registering 25 shots and creating nine big chances while conceding just two. It was a performance that demonstrated their attacking firepower and tactical discipline under head coach Okan Buruk. The win against PAOK set the tone for what Galatasaray hope will be a deep run in the Europa League this season.

Galatasaray's impressive showing in Europe has been matched by their domestic form. The club currently sits atop the Turkish Super Lig standings, having amassed 19 points from a possible 21 in their first seven league matches. Their ability to score goals has been particularly notable, with 25 goals to their name already this season. In contrast, they have conceded just eight goals, showcasing their balance between a potent attack and a solid defense.

Despite their strong start to the season, Galatasaray have already faced some disappointment, as they were unable to qualify for the UEFA Champions League after being eliminated in the competition’s playoffs. This early exit from the Champions League was a blow to the club’s aspirations, but they have responded well by turning their focus to the Europa League, where they are considered one of the favorites to progress to the later stages of the tournament.

Squad Depth and Rotations

One of the key factors behind Galatasaray's success this season has been the depth of their squad. Okan Buruk has been able to rotate his players effectively, ensuring that key players remain fresh for both domestic and European matches. This was evident in their most recent league outing, a thrilling 3-3 draw with Kasimpasa on September 28. In that match, Buruk made six changes from the team that had beaten PAOK just days earlier, a decision that highlights the strength in depth at his disposal. Despite the changes, Galatasaray were able to maintain their attacking threat, although they were slightly more vulnerable defensively.

Buruk will likely rotate his squad once again for the trip to Latvia, with one eye on their upcoming Super Lig fixtures. However, even with a rotated lineup, Galatasaray will be confident of securing a positive result against RFS. The Turkish club boasts several high-quality players who can make the difference in tight matches, and their attacking options in particular are likely to cause problems for the Latvian champions.

Galatasaray’s Away Form in Europe

While Galatasaray have been dominant in domestic competition, their recent away form in Europe has been less consistent. Cim Bom have won 12 of their last 14 away fixtures in all competitions, which is an impressive record, but their performances on the road in the Europa League tell a different story. The Turkish side have won just one of their last six away matches in the Europa League, drawing four and losing one. This inconsistency in European away fixtures will be a concern for Buruk, especially given the hostile atmosphere they are likely to face in Riga.

However, Galatasaray’s recent performances suggest that they have the quality to overcome this challenge. Their victory over PAOK demonstrated that they can dominate teams away from home, and they will be looking to replicate that performance when they take on RFS. If they can control the midfield and limit RFS’s chances, Galatasaray will be well-placed to secure a vital three points.

Key Players to Watch

For RFS, much of their attacking threat is likely to come from their top scorer in the Latvian league this season, Tomáš Šimkovič. The Slovakian midfielder has been in excellent form domestically, contributing both goals and assists for his side. His ability to create chances from midfield will be crucial if RFS are to break down Galatasaray's defense. Šimkovič will need to be at his creative best to unlock a Galatasaray backline that has been solid for much of the season.

In defense, RFS will rely on the experience of captain Vladislavs Gabovs, a veteran Latvian international who has been a key figure for the club in recent years. Gabovs will have the difficult task of organizing his defense and keeping Galatasaray's attacking players at bay. He will need to use all of his experience to marshal the backline and ensure that RFS remain compact and disciplined throughout the match.

For Galatasaray, one of the key players to watch will be Mauro Icardi. The Argentine striker has been in red-hot form this season, scoring goals for fun in both the Super Lig and Europa League. His movement and finishing ability make him a constant threat to opposition defenses, and RFS will need to be extremely vigilant to keep him quiet. Icardi is the type of player who can change the course of a game with a single moment of brilliance, and RFS will need to find a way to limit his impact.

In midfield, Galatasaray will look to veteran playmaker Dries Mertens to pull the strings. The Belgian international remains a creative force, capable of unlocking defenses with his vision and passing. Mertens' ability to link up with Icardi and the other forwards will be crucial if Galatasaray are to break down a well-organized RFS side.

The Stakes

For RFS, this match represents an opportunity to get their Europa League campaign back on track. A win against Galatasaray would not only boost their chances of progressing from the group but also provide a significant confidence boost after their heavy defeat in the opening match. However, they will be fully aware of the challenge they face in taking on a team of Galatasaray's quality.

For Galatasaray, the stakes are equally high. After missing out on Champions League football, the Turkish champions will be determined to make a deep run in the Europa League. A win in Latvia would put them in a strong position in the group and allow them to maintain their momentum in what has been a highly successful season so far.