FCI Levadia loses to RFS 0–1 at home – all will be decided in Riga

FCI Levadia began their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round campaign with a home match against Latvian champions FC RFS. In the first leg held at A. Le Coq Arena, Levadia suffered a narrow 0–1 defeat, but the tie remains wide open ahead of next week’s return leg in Riga.

Levadia went into the match without their captain – central defender Rasmus Peetson missed the game due to health concerns. Despite his absence, the defensive line performed well. In attack, Musaba was deployed as the main striker, with Agyiri playing just behind him. Pedro and Roosnupp started on the wings.

The visitors had a slight upper hand in the opening minutes, controlling possession early on. However, Levadia found their rhythm midway through the first half and began creating dangerous opportunities.

At one point, a quick attack from the opposition broke through, but Iboro made a crucial last-ditch intervention to clear the danger. Levadia then began to grow into the game – Roosnupp had a go from outside the box, Agyiri tested the goalkeeper from distance, and Joao Pedro found himself in a promising position but hesitated too long.

One clever combination brought Mavretic into a shooting position, but his soft strike from 22 metres landed straight in the goalkeeper’s arms. Sustained pressure down the right wing led to another chance – Agyiri fought to win the ball, combined with Joao Pedro, and eventually got a shot away, only to see it narrowly miss the target.

One of Levadia’s best chances of the half came when Agyiri played a brilliant through ball to Roosnupp, who controlled the ball and attempted a finish. Throughout the first 45 minutes, Levadia showed good chemistry and work rate – only the final pass or decisive touch was missing to produce a goal.

Statistically, the first half was balanced. Ball possession stood at 47% for Levadia and 53% for the visitors. Both teams had four shots, with one on target each. The only corner of the first half went to the Latvian side.

Early in the second half, a mistake down the right flank gave the opponents a chance to break quickly. A shot followed in the box, but Karl Andre Vallner made an excellent save. Soon after, following a VAR review, a penalty was awarded against Levadia after the ball struck Mihkel Ainsalu’s arm in the area. The visitors converted from the spot in the 55th minute to make it 0–1.

Just moments later, Levadia came close to equalising – Agyiri delivered a pinpoint ball to Roosnupp, who controlled it with his chest and attempted a header. The ball rebounded dangerously in front of goal, but the defenders were able to clear.

Levadia then began making substitutions to add fresh energy. In the 68th minute, Tambedou replaced Roosnupp. Joao Pedro came off for Zakarliuka in the 81st minute, and three minutes later, Turi and Musaba made way for Liivak and Kirss.

Several more opportunities followed toward the end. A dangerous corner delivery went unused, and a long-range strike from Agyiri led to a rebound that Kirss and Zakarliuka couldn’t convert, as the visiting defenders and goalkeeper blocked everything that came their way.

In the final minutes, Levadia continued to press for an equaliser. One sequence saw Kirss receive a ball inside the box and attempt a backheel to Zakarliuka, but a miscommunication ended the chance. Moments later, the referee blew the final whistle.

The match ended 0–1, a frustrating result for Levadia. Still, the performance – especially in the second part of the first half and the final push – offers plenty of reason for optimism. The outcome of the tie will be decided next week in Riga, where a place in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round will be on the line.

Photo: Katariina Peetson / jalgpall.ee