Match report

Rīgas FS Stuns Ajax with 1-0 Win in UEFA Europa League

Rīgas FS
Rīgas FS
1–0
FT
Ajax
Ajax
Jan 23, 2025

In a stunning upset, Rīgas FS secured a crucial 1–0 win over top-seeded Ajax in the UEFA Europa League. The Latvian club's defensive resilience and timely attack were pivotal as they stymied the Dutch giants' attempts to level the score throughout the game.

Key Facts

  • • Rīgas FS: 1 goal (A. Markhiev, 78')
  • • Ajax made multiple substitutions with B. Brobbey and A. Gaaei coming on at 61'
  • • Three yellow cards issued to Rīgas FS players (A. Markhiev, R. Savalnieks, S. Panic)
  • • B. van den Boomen also received a yellow card for Ajax in the late stages of the match

Lineups

Rīgas FS

Formation: 5-3-2

Starting XI

  • 40 F. Ondoa (G)
  • 11 R. Savaļnieks (D)
  • 30 H. Njie (D)
  • 23 H. Prenga (D)
  • 43 Ž. Lipušček (D)
  • 8 L. Odisharia (D)
  • 27 A. Markhiev (M)
  • 26 S. Panič (M)
  • 18 D. Zelenkovs (M)
  • 9 J. Ikaunieks (F)
  • 17 C. Kouadio (F)

Substitutes

  • 22 D. Lemajič
  • 1 P. Šteinbors
  • 77 L. Silagadze
  • 21 E. Stuglis
  • 25 P. Mareš
  • 15 R. Ndjiki
  • 16 S. Vilkovs

Ajax

Formation: 4-3-3

Starting XI

  • 22 R. Pasveer (G)
  • 3 A. Gaaei (D)
  • 37 J. Šutalo (D)
  • 24 D. Rugani (D)
  • 15 Y. Baas (D)
  • 28 K. Fitz-Jim (M)
  • 6 J. Henderson (M)
  • 8 K. Taylor (M)
  • 20 B. Traoré (F)
  • 9 B. Brobbey (F)
  • 11 M. Godts (F)

Substitutes

  • 25 W. Weghorst
  • 23 S. Berghuis
  • 10 C. Akpom
  • 21 B. van den Boomen
  • 29 C. Rasmussen
  • 40 D. Ramaj
  • 16 S. Mannsverk
  • 38 K. Hlynsson
  • 12 J. Gorter
  • 13 A. Kaplan
  • 31 J. Mokio
  • 47 G. Alders

Timeline

  1. Rīgas FS
    37' Rīgas FS Card · Yellow Card
    A. Markhiev

    Foul

  2. Rīgas FS
    54' Rīgas FS Card · Yellow Card
    R. Savalnieks

    Argument

  3. Ajax
    61' Ajax subst · Substitution 1
    Off: B. Brobbey · On: W. Weghorst
  4. Ajax
    61' Ajax subst · Substitution 2
    Off: A. Gaaei · On: S. Berghuis
  5. Rīgas FS
    67' Rīgas FS Card · Yellow Card
    S. Panic

    Foul

  6. Ajax
    73' Ajax subst · Substitution 3
    Off: M. Godts · On: C. Akpom
  7. Rīgas FS
    78' Rīgas FS Goal · Normal Goal
    A. Markhiev
  8. Ajax
    81' Ajax subst · Substitution 4
    Off: K. Taylor · On: B. van den Boomen
  9. Ajax
    81' Ajax subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Bertrand Traoré · On: Christian Rasmussen
  10. Ajax
    83' Ajax Card · Yellow Card
    B. van den Boomen

    Foul

Match Stats

Stat Rīgas FS Ajax
Fouls 14 7
Pass Accuracy 72% 85%
Offsides 0 2
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 7 13
Corners 1 5
Total Passes 303 670
Yellow Cards 3 1
Blocked Shots 2 1
Shots on Target 2 6
xG 0.24 1.05
Shots off Target 3 6
Possession 31% 69%
Goals Prevented 0 0
Accurate Passes 219 570
Shots Inside Box 2 8
Saves 5 1
Shots Outside Box 5 5

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Rīgas FS capitalized on their third yellow card to A. Markhiev, who scored the winning goal at 78', breaking down Ajax's momentum.
  • ▸ Ajax tried multiple substitutions but failed to find an equalizer against Rīgas FS’s resilient defense.