Riga Roar Back to Thrash Vardar 5-2 in Extra-Time Epic

Riga 5-2 Vardar Skopje: Europa Conference League 2nd Qualifying Round

Riga produced a comeback for the ages, scoring four times in extra-time to demolish Vardar Skopje 5-2 after 120 minutes of pure theatre in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round. What began as a nightmare for the Latvians turned into a euphoric rout after Vardar’s early red card sparked chaos.

Vardar’s Dream Start Turns Sour

The Macedonians exploded from the blocks when David Babunski latched onto Ian Puleio’s pass to slot past Frenks Orols after 17 minutes. But just two minutes later, Filip Najdovski’s reckless lunge earned a straight red, forcing Vardar into an early reshuffle. Despite being a man down, Azer Omeragic doubled their lead on 66 minutes with a stunning solo effort that seemed to break Riga’s spirit.

Riga’s Late, Late Show

With six minutes remaining, substitute Abdulahi Taiwo headed home Reginaldo Ramires’ cross to ignite belief. Then, in the 92nd minute, Raki Aouani pounced on a defensive error to force extra-time – earning a yellow card for his wild shirt-off celebration. The floodgates opened: Iago Siqueira tapped in Aouani’s cross (105′), Ramires blasted home (109′), and Caio Ferreira completed the rout (117′).

What This Means

For Riga, this miraculous escape proves their European pedigree under Adrian Gula. Vardar’s collapse – conceding four times in 27 extra-time minutes – leaves their continental dreams in tatters. The Latvians now advance to face tougher opposition with momentum and belief coursing through their veins.

Key Moments

17′ ⚽ Vardar Skopje — D. Babunski (assist: I. Puleio)

19′ 🟥 Vardar Skopje — F. Najdovski sent off

66′ ⚽ Vardar Skopje — A. Omeragic

87′ ⚽ Riga — A. Taiwo (assist: Reginaldo Ramires)

92′ ⚽ Riga — R. Aouani

105′ ⚽ Riga — Iago Siqueira (assist: R. Aouani)

109′ ⚽ Riga — Reginaldo Ramires

117′ ⚽ Riga — Caio Ferreira (assist: M. Tonisevs)

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.