The UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round presents a fascinating matchup as Latvian champions Rīgas Futbola skola (RFS) host their Finnish counterparts, KuPS, at the LNK Sporta Parks. Both teams enter this tie having been eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers, making this a high-stakes encounter with a chance for redemption. RFS, a team with a growing reputation, will be looking to leverage their home advantage to take a lead into the second leg. KuPS, a club with a recent history of solid European performances, will be aiming for a crucial away goal to give them the upper hand.
RFS has already demonstrated their resilience in European competition, and their strong home record is a significant factor in their favor. KuPS, meanwhile, has shown their quality with a strong start to their domestic season and a convincing performance in their last European qualifier. The winner of this two-legged tie will be just one step away from the Europa League group stage, a significant achievement for either club. Expect a tense and tactical battle as both teams look to make their mark on the competition.
Match Details
- Competition: UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round (First Leg)
- Location: Rīga, Latvia
- Stadium: LNK Sporta Parks
- Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM BST
- Indian Time (IST): 10:30 PM IST (Wednesday, August 6, 2025)
- Referee: Aliyar Aghayev (Azerbaijan)
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
There is no known competitive head-to-head record between Rīgas FS and KuPS. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. As a result, recent form and tactical preparation will be the most important factors heading into this match.
Rīgas FS:
RFS’s recent form has been a mix of strong performances and disappointing defeats. They were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers by Malmö FF, but they have shown their attacking prowess with a number of high-scoring games in their domestic league. The team’s strong home record, with nine wins and only one defeat in their last ten home matches, will give them confidence. Key players to watch for RFS include their goalscorers and the organized defense, which will be tested by KuPS’s attack.
- August 3, 2025: Grobiņas SC 2–3 Rīgas FS (Latvian Higher League)
- July 30, 2025: Rīgas FS 0–1 Malmö FF (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 23, 2025: Malmö FF 2–0 Rīgas FS (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 18, 2025: Rīgas FS 1–0 Levadia Tallinn (Champions League Qualifying)
KuPS:
KuPS has been in excellent form in their domestic league, including a 3-2 victory over FC Haka just days before this match. They were also eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers, losing to Kairat after a 3-0 defeat in the second leg. However, KuPS has proven to be a resilient team on the road, with only one defeat in their last five away matches. Key players to watch for KuPS include their forwards, who have been prolific in the Veikkausliiga, and their disciplined midfield, which will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game.
- August 2, 2025: KuPS 3–2 FC Haka (Veikkausliiga)
- July 29, 2025: Kairat 3–0 KuPS (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 22, 2025: KuPS 2–0 Kairat (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 18, 2025: Ilves 0–1 KuPS (Veikkausliiga)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
This match is set up to be a compelling tactical battle. RFS, with their home advantage, will likely play an attacking game, aiming to put pressure on the KuPS defense from the start. They will look to use their wide players to stretch the opposition and create scoring opportunities. KuPS, on the other hand, will be tactically disciplined and will likely play a more cautious game, looking to absorb pressure and hit RFS on the counter-attack. The battle in midfield will be key, as both teams have dynamic players who can influence the game. The outcome of the match will likely depend on whether RFS can break down KuPS’s defense or if the Finnish side can secure a crucial away goal.
How to Watch Rīgas FS vs. KuPS on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| United States | beIN SPORTS |
| Latvia | N/A |
| Finland | N/A |
| United Kingdom | N/A |
| India | N/A |
In the United States, beIN SPORTS has been known to broadcast Europa League qualifying matches. For other regions, broadcasting information is not yet confirmed. It is common for clubs to provide live streams on their official websites or YouTube channels for European qualifiers, so it is worth checking those sources.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
