In a crucial UEFA Europa League third qualifying round second-leg tie, Finland’s KuPS will host Latvia’s Rīgas FS at the Savon Sanomat Areena. KuPS holds a slender advantage, having secured a 2-1 away victory in the first leg. This home fixture presents an opportunity for them to finish the job and progress to the play-off round, while Rīgas FS will be desperate for an away victory to keep their European dreams alive.
KuPS, the reigning Finnish champions, come into this match in excellent form. Their away win in Latvia was a testament to their tactical prowess and attacking efficiency. Under the guidance of coach Jarkko Wiss, KuPS has shown a solid defense and a potent attack, with Mohamed Toure leading the charge as their top scorer in these qualifiers.
With a full squad available, free from injuries and suspensions, KuPS will be confident in their ability to secure a positive result in front of their home fans. The team’s aggressive pressing style and attacking mindset will be key to unsettling the Rīgas FS defense.
Rīgas FS, the Latvian champions, faces a difficult task. Despite a recent domestic victory, their form has been inconsistent, especially when playing away from home. The 1-2 home loss in the first leg was a setback, and they will need to address defensive vulnerabilities that have seen them concede in every recent game.
Coach Viktors Morozs will be looking to implement a more resilient defensive strategy for the second leg. The team’s attack, however, remains a threat, with Barthelemy Diedhiou being their main goal-scorer in the qualifiers. Rīgas FS will need a near-perfect performance to overcome the deficit.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
The match is expected to be a tight and strategic affair. KuPS will likely rely on their home advantage and an aggressive, pressing game to dominate the midfield and create scoring opportunities.
The likes of Doni Arifi and Arttu Heinonen are crucial in sparking creative attacks, while Mohamed Toure’s robust play up front will test the Latvian defense.
For Rīgas FS, the focus will be on a disciplined defensive performance. They must prevent KuPS from scoring early and then look to exploit any counter-attacking opportunities. The energy of their young wing players and the experience of players like Jānis Ikaunieks will be vital. Set-pieces could also be a key avenue for Rīgas FS to find a goal.
Match Prediction
Given their away victory and strong home form, KuPS enters this match as the favorites. Their defensive solidity and attacking threats should be enough to see them through. While Rīgas FS will fight hard for an upset, their inconsistent away form and defensive issues are likely to be their undoing against a confident KuPS side.
Predicted Score: KuPS 2-1 Rīgas FS (KuPS to advance on aggregate)
How to Watch KuPS vs. Rīgas FS Live Stream
The second leg of this Europa League qualifier is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025, with a kick-off at 11:00 AM ET. The match will be broadcast on various platforms, and you can also find live audio commentary through official club platforms.
CountryLive Stream & TV ChannelUnited KingdomTNT Sports, discovery+United StatesParamount+CanadaDAZN CanadaAustraliabeIN SPORTSFinlandElisa Viihde ViaplayLatviaTV3 Sport
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
