Latvian football club RFS secured a historic 1-0 victory against the renowned Dutch team Ajax Amsterdam in the seventh round of the UEFA Europa League group stage. Adams Marhijevs scored the decisive goal for RFS, marking the club’s first-ever win in the main stage of the UEFA Europa League.
The match began cautiously, with no significant chances for either team in the first 20 minutes. RFS made their first threatening move in the 19th minute when Marhijevs brought the ball into Ajax’s penalty area.
In the 30th minute, Ajax’s Bertrand Traoré attempted a long-range shot, but RFS goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa made a critical save, keeping the scoreline level. Late in the first half, Ajax’s Anton Goeij fell in RFS’s penalty area after contact but was deemed to have been challenged fairly. Moments later, Kian Fitz-Jim missed a clear opportunity, sending the ball wide of the goal.
The second half began with a disallowed Ajax goal due to an offside ruling. Shortly after, RFS’s Jānis Ikaunieks showcased his composure by clearing a dangerous ball off the goal line after a corner. As the match progressed, Ondoa continued to thwart Ajax’s attempts with several crucial saves.
In the 78th minute, Ajax made a critical mistake on their half, allowing Marhijevs to intercept the ball. He raced forward and struck a precise low shot from distance, giving RFS the lead at 1-0.
Ajax had a golden chance to equalize in the final minutes when Fitz-Jim found himself unmarked near the goal, but he missed the target, sending the ball over both Ondoa and the crossbar. In added time, RFS nearly doubled their lead when Ikaunieks came close to scoring, but Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer stood firm.
This victory represents a historic achievement for RFS and Latvian football, highlighting their growing competitiveness on the European stage.
Source: sportazinas.com