Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: BetUS
Riga Football School host Swedish giants Malmo FF at LNK Sporta Parks in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round clash. Both sides enter the tie in strong form, aiming to build momentum ahead of the return leg.
RFS
RFS have quietly cemented themselves as Latvia’s strongest club in recent seasons, notably recording a historic first-ever European group stage win against Ajax in January 2025. They claimed comprehensive 7â€"0 aggregate victory over Larne and overcame Levadia Tallinn 2â€"0 to reach this round.
On the domestic front, the capital outfit have strung together eight consecutive victoriesâ€"most recently a dominant 4â€"0 win over Metta in the VirslÄ«gaâ€"averaging over 2 goals per game.
Transfer activity during this window has been minimal; RFS opted to stick with their core squad rather than pursue big-name signings, ensuring cohesion remains intact. Under coach Viktors Morozs, the team follows a familiar structure: solid defensive organization paired with effective counter-attacks.
Their European credentials are building: in the Europa League, they stunned APOEL on penalties and held their own in group stage competition.
Their consistency at home is a strengthâ€"they’ve kept clean sheets in six of eight latest matches across all competitions. Confidence is high, and RFS will rely on a tight spineâ€"solid defensive midfield and incremental build-upâ€"to challenge Malmo. Expect a tactically disciplined side eager to use home advantage in preferable conditions at LNK Sporta Parks.
Team News
RFS head into the tie with a full-strength lineup, as no injuries or suspensions have been reported from recent fixtures.
Coach Morozs is likely to employ the same back four and midfield that have served him so well in recent winsâ€"particularly aiming to preserve clean sheets. Stefan Panic, the hero of their Levadia clashes, remains available and will lead the attack once more.
Rotation threats are minimal since no major European or domestic cup commitments coincide.
Malmo FF
Malmö FF enter this tie as Sweden’s dominant side and reigning multiple-time Allsvenskan champions. They progressed past Georgian side Iberia 1999 with convincing 3â€"1 wins both away and at home, showcasing attacking depth from Gabriel Busanello, Hugo Bolin, and Taha Ali.
Malmo have reshaped selectively during the summer window. Key arrivals include CB Andrej Djuric from Crvena Zvezda and goalkeeper Robin Olsen returning on a free all bundled into contracts running until late 2029. Djuric impressed in his debut but later suffered cramps; both he and midfielders Johan Karlsson and Lasse Berg Johnsen remain doubtful.
Departures have been few; veteran fullback Anton Tinnerholm retired in May, but the squad remains largely intact.
While recent form indicates a four-game win streak and seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions, Malmo have struggled a little in front of goal domestically despite their European edgeâ€"though they found form in the 3â€"1 continental wins. Coach Henrik Rydström now faces balancing rotation with delivering results, as further progression in both Allsvenskan and European cups depends on depth and freshness.
Team News
Squad selection for Malmo is clouded by minor fitness issues. New centre-back Djuric left his debut due to cramp, and both Karlsson and Johnsen missed the trip to Georgia with knocks.
Head coach Rydstrom confirmed all are being evaluated on a day-by-day basis, with decisions pending until pre-match training.
If fit, Djuric would partner Pontus Jansson in central defense, offering fresh legs and physical presence. Robin Olsen̢۪s return boosts goalkeeping depth, although Friedrich remains the pick for goal. Elsewhere, veterans Busanello, Bolin, Ali, and Rosengren are fully available and expected to start.
Rydstrom might rotate to conserve energy across both league and European fixtures, but the core playmakersâ€"Busanello and Ali especiallyâ€"should feature.
Conclusion
This clash features in-form teams: RFS are solid defensively and confident at home, while Malmo bring superior depth and European pedigree.
RFS may frustrate early, but Malmo̢۪s firepower should tell over 90 minutes.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: BetUS