FC Vardar Skopje 2 – 3 Riga FC
UEFA Europa Conference League – 23 July 2026

Match Report: Riga FC Edge Out Vardar in Five-Goal Thriller

Riga FC secured a crucial away victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday, defeating FC Vardar Skopje 3–2 in a pulsating encounter in North Macedonia. The Latvian side showed resilience and attacking quality to claim all three points in the first leg of this qualifying round tie.

Fast Start from Vardar

Vardar Skopje began the match with intensity on home soil, taking the lead inside the first 15 minutes. A well-worked move down the left flank ended with a pinpoint cross that was headed home by the home side’s striker. The early goal fired up the local crowd, and Vardar looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

However, Riga FC responded quickly. Just ten minutes later, they equalised through a clever free-kick routine that caught the Vardar defence napping. The ball was slipped to an unmarked midfielder, who drilled a low shot into the bottom corner. The match was level at 1–1 by the half-hour mark.

Riga Turn the Tide

Riga FC took control of the midfield as the first half wore on, and their perseverance paid off just before the interval. A swift counter-attack saw the visitors take a 2–1 lead, with their winger cutting inside and firing past the goalkeeper. Vardar were shell-shocked but still had time to threaten before the whistle.

Second Half Drama

Vardar Skopje came out with renewed purpose after the break and equalised early in the second half. A defensive lapse by Riga allowed a simple through ball to split the centre-backs, and the Vardar forward slotted home calmly. The score was 2–2, and the tie was wide open.

With both teams pushing for a winner, the decisive moment came in the 75th minute. Riga FC won a penalty after a VAR review for a handball inside the box. The Latvian captain stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, making it 3–2 to the visitors. Vardar threw everything forward in the final 15 minutes but could not find an equaliser.

Key Performers

• Riga FC’s midfield engine: Controlled the tempo and provided the creative spark that unlocked Vardar’s defence. Their pressing forced errors that led to goals.
• Vardar’s forward duo: Caused problems all night with their movement, but lacked the final pass in key moments. Both goals came from individual brilliance.
• VAR decision: The handball call proved crucial, with Riga converting the penalty that ultimately won the match.

Season Context

Riga FC now hold a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg at home. Vardar Skopje will rue their defensive lapses but remain in the tie, knowing a single-goal win in Latvia would force extra time. The winner of this tie will advance to the next Europa Conference League qualifying round.