Rigas FS claimed their first historic victory in the UEFA Europa League, defeating Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam 1-0 at the Daugava Stadium on January 23, 2025. The win marks a significant milestone for the Latvian club, who have struggled to find form throughout the competition.
Rigas FS, under the management of Viktors Morozs, entered the match seeking to break their winless streak after having accumulated only two points from their previous six matches. Their previous record of no wins, with two draws and four losses, had left hopeful fans yearning for success.
Ajax approached the match as clear favorites, possessing superior form and quality. The Dutch side had enjoyed considerable success early on, buoyed by three wins, one draw, and two losses from their six matches, accumulating ten points. Prior to the match, Ajax had been expecting to dominate with their aggressive, attacking style of play.
The atmosphere at the Daugava Stadium was electric, packed to capacity with local fans eager to witness their team make history. Rigas FS displayed resilience and tactical preparedness, focusing on defending well and capitalizing on any mistakes made by Ajax.
Early on, Ajax maintained more ball possession and constructed several threatening attacks. Despite this advantage, they failed to break through Rigas FS's organized defense. A pivotal moment came when Adam Markhiyev anticipated poorly directed pass from Ajax, intercepting and advancing confidently before scoring the match's only goal with his right foot, firing low and past the goalkeeper.
"Rigas FS gets its first victory in the tournament after beating Ajax 1-0 with a goal by Adam Markhiyev at the Daugava stadium which was Sold Out," reported VAVEL, capturing the excitement of the moment.
Though Ajax created several chances, they struggled to convert them, with goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa making several key saves to deny the Dutch side. The Ajax players, including Wout Weghorst and Steven Berghuis, attempted to capitalize on their opportunities but found Rigas FS's defensive organization to be formidable.
Throughout the match, Rigas FS played with intensity, focusing on counterattacks whenever the opportunity arose. Their strategy of maintaining concentration and anticipation allowed them to seize the moment and keep Ajax at bay. Despite Ajax’s attempts to push forward, they were plagued by inaccurate passes and failed to penetrate effectively.
Overall statistics from the match showcased Rigas FS's impressive defensive effort: they limited Ajax to only six shots on target compared to their own two. Though Ajax controlled possession, the lack of effective scoring posed questions about their clinical edge.
Historically, this match marked the first encounter between Rigas FS and any Dutch team, which added an element of unpredictability to the fixture. Ajax, on the other hand, had faced Latvian opponents six times before, winning six of those encounters. This added pressure on Ajax, who were seeking to improve upon their shaky recent performances and boost their chances of progressing through the Europa League.
Previously, Ajax’s campaign had sputtered, with only four victories from their last sixteen Europa League matches, including struggles on the road. Heading to Riga, they were hoping to rekindle their spirit and efficiency, but it didn’t come to fruition on this occasion.
The defeat raises questions about Ajax's approach and performance consistency as they regroup for upcoming fixtures. Their objective remains to secure progression to the next rounds, and this loss complicates their path forward.
On the other hand, Rigas FS can take great pride from this victory, which not only serves as their first win of the Europa League but also as significant morale fuel moving forward. Coach Morozs will likely leverage this success to bolster team confidence and aim for continued improvement.
For fans of both clubs, this match serves as a captivating chapter. Rigas FS not only highlighted the unpredictability of football but demonstrated resilience and tactical execution against more established opponents.
The victory gives Rigas FS hope as they look toward their next fixture, needing to win and rely on results from others to keep European dreams alive. Ajax, with lessons learned, must swiftly adapt and focus if they wish to capitalize on their existing talent and European experience to return to winning ways.