Beitar Jerusalem faces an almost insurmountable task as they welcome Riga FC to the Stadionul Ilie Oană in Ploiești, Romania, for the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round tie.
Riga FC holds a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead from a dominant performance in the first leg, leaving Beitar Jerusalem with a mountain to climb. While the Israeli side will have the support of their fans, a comeback of this magnitude will require a monumental effort.
Riga FC’s 3-0 victory in the first leg was a statement of their quality, showcasing their disciplined defensive unit and potent attack. The Latvian champions, under coach Adrián Guľa, have been in excellent form, boasting a strong recent record.
With a three-goal cushion, they will likely adopt a tactical approach focused on controlling the game, absorbing pressure, and punishing any mistakes with their swift counter-attacks. Their disciplined and organized style of play is a tough challenge for any opponent, and they will be confident of seeing out the tie.
For Beitar Jerusalem, the focus will be on pride and finding a way to get on the scoresheet. The Israeli side will be forced to play a high-risk, all-out attacking game to have any hope of overturning the deficit. While their recent domestic form has shown an ability to score goals, their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the first leg. Coach Barak Itzhaki will need his key players to deliver a performance of a lifetime and for the team to be clinical in front of goal.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
Beitar Jerusalem’s game plan is straightforward: attack from the first whistle and seek an early goal to spark a comeback. Their dynamic forwards, such as Omer Atzili, will be crucial in creating chances, but the team’s need to push forward will leave them vulnerable at the back.
Riga FC’s strategy will be to maintain their shape, deny Beitar Jerusalem space, and wait for opportunities to counter. The performance of their key players, who were instrumental in the first-leg victory, will be crucial. The team’s ability to manage the game and remain calm under pressure will be the key to their success.
Match Prediction
While the home advantage and the desperate need for goals could give Beitar Jerusalem some early momentum, Riga FC’s commanding lead and superior form make them the clear favorites to advance. The Latvian side’s tactical discipline and offensive firepower will likely prove too much for Beitar Jerusalem to overcome.
Predicted Score: Beitar Jerusalem 2-1 Riga FC (Riga FC to advance on aggregate)
How to Watch Beitar Jerusalem vs. Riga FC Live Stream
The second leg of this Europa Conference League qualifier is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025, with a kick-off at 1:30 PM ET. The match will be broadcast on various platforms.
CountryLive Stream & TV ChannelUnited KingdomTNT Sports, discovery+United StatesParamount+, beIN SPORTSCanadaDAZN CanadaIsraelSport 1, Sport 1 HDLatviaTV4, TV4 HD
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
