Playing away in the Europa Conference League against the famous Fiorentina side of Italy, RFS secured an historic 1:1 draw. Fiorentina's squad is worth around 266 million euros and is packed with internationals, while RFS' squad is worth a more modest 8.4 million euros.
As might be expected given the huge gulf between the sides, Fiorentina dominated possession and had no fewer than 30 shots on goal but were repeatedly thwarted by RFS goalie Pavels Šteinbors. RFS managed to manufacture 9 shots of their own.
Just holding Fiorentina to 0-0 at half time was an achievement in itself. But even after going behind to a goal from Fiorentina's Czech international Antonin Barak in the 56th minute, RFS continued to fight against their esteemed opponents and were rewarded with an equalizer from RFS Serbian striker Andrej Ilič in the 74th minute.
UEFA's match report quoted Viktors Morozs, RFS coach, saying: "Our objectives do not change after this game. We will think one game at the time, trying to earn as much experience as possible from each of them and always give our very best. Let's see what will happen."
Vai Jūs spējat noticēt tam, kas tikko notika Florencē??? 💙💙💙 UEFA Eiropas Konferences līgas grupu turnīra debijā izcīnīts punkts pret Itālijas "Serie A" klubu @acffiorentina! Vārtus guva Andrejs Iličs!
— Futbola klubs RFS (@RFSDaily) September 8, 2022
📷 Sanita Ieva Sparāne pic.twitter.com/9YMyTLGFE7
Despite the disappointment of the home fans, they deserve a creditable mention for their sporting behavior in applauding RFS from the pitch, aware of the scale of their achievement. Next up for RFS is the visit of Scottish team Hearts to Skonto stadium on September 15.
