MM Footy News

RFS beat Cypriot club APOEL in a vital 2-1 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoffs at the LNK Sporta Parks. It is the forth ever victory for RFS in the Europa League. Adam Markhiyev & Jānis Ikaunieks celebrate the second goal! Image Source: RFS X page 13 minutes into the match, the visitors had a huge opportunity to take the lead as Cameroonian keeper Farbice Ondoa was off his line. APOEL took advantage of that and got the ball in the penalty box for Xavi Quintillà who's shot was saved by Albanian defender Herdi Prenga whom headed the ball away from danger. In the 31st minute the hosts took the lead as Jānis Ikaunieks passed to Cedric Kouadio who was one on one with APEOL keeper Vid Belec and chipped the ball over him to make it 1-0. Just a minute before half time, RFS were awarded a penalty after Lasha Dvali blocked Ismael Diomande's shot. Before the penalty shot, Belec was playing mind games with Ikaunieks and pointed him to where to shoot the penalty

Auda made history and quality to the UEFA Conference League 3rd Qualifying Round for the first time in their history after beating Northern Irish side Cliftonville FC 2-0 (4-1 aggregate) at the Skonto Stadium in Riga. Auda are undefeated in Europe this season and have won all four of their Conference League matches.  Abiodun Ogunniyi celebrates after scoring vs Cliftonville Image Source: FK Auda Facebook Page Four minutes into the match Auda nearly got off to the perfect start, as Matheus Clemente made a beautiful through ball to Nigerian forward Abdulrahman Taiwo whose shot went past Cliftonville keeper David Odumosu but hit the post. Auda were controlling the tempo of the game as in the 20th minute, Abiodun Ogunniyi’s shot from outside the box was deflected by Cliftonville midfielder Conor Pepper and just missed the left hand post. The first half finished 0-0 as Auda had 59% ball possession and were in control of the match. Cliftonville were solid at the back however they need a goal