Auda vs Cliftonville Match Report

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 to be level in the tie. 

Auda & Cliftonville players shaking hands before kickoff.

Six minutes into the second half, Auda broke through Cliftonville's back line as Mor Talla passed to Ogunniyi in the box who then dribbled past Luke Conlan in the box and shot the ball under Odumosu’s legs which gave them a 1-0 (3-1 aggregate) lead. The game went from bad to worse for the visitors as in the 61st minute, Clemente’s clearance went to Taiwo who out paced Shaun Leppard and shot the ball to Odumosu’s left side and in the middle of the goal. In the 83rd minute the visitors had a crack as 19 year-old Jack Berry dribbled past Bruno Tavares and then had a brilliant cross from the throw in line to Joe Gormley who’s header went wide. 

Auda fans celebrate the vital win over Cliftonville at Skonto

A huge result for the Latvians as Auda will face Drita FC from Kosovo in the 3rd Round next Thursday. Auda manager Zoran Zeljković was satisfied with his team's performance and stated the the win was important for the club and Latvian football. Zeljković stated that he doesn't want to think too far ahead and wants to concentrate on the Virsliga match against BFC Daugavpils on Sunday. Zeljković however wanted to cancel the domestic league tie against Daugavpils so the players are more "fresh for Europe" and heard that Daugavpils were against cancelling the fixture. He stressed the importance that the fixture against Drita is crucial for Latvian football, however is adamant on focusing on Sunday's match.

Full interview with Zoran Zeljković here on Spotify: Post match interview with Auda manager Zoran Zeljković vs Cliftonville