FCSB 2–3 FK Auda Riga: Auda stun Romanian giants in Conference League thriller

FK Auda Riga produced one of the biggest shocks of the early UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying rounds, coming from behind to defeat Fotbal Club FCSB 3–2 at the Arena Națională in Bucharest on 24 July 2026. The Latvian side showed remarkable composure on the road, overturning a 2–1 deficit with two second-half goals to seal a famous victory.

Match overview

FCSB, the Romanian champions and regular European contenders, started brightly and took control early. However, Auda’s disciplined defensive structure and swift counter-attacks kept the hosts on edge. The visitors equalised before halftime, then struck twice after the break to stun the home crowd. Despite FCSB’s late pressure, Auda held firm to take a vital first-leg lead into next week’s return fixture in Latvia.

Key moments

• Early FCSB opener: The home side took the lead inside 15 minutes when a well-worked move ended with a clinical finish past Auda goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics.
• Auda equaliser: A set-piece goal around the half-hour mark caught FCSB’s defence flat-footed, with midfielder Deniss Rakeļs heading home from a corner.
• FCSB retake lead: A penalty converted by Darius Olaru in first-half stoppage time seemed to put the Romanians in control going into the break.
• Second-half turnaround: Auda’s Mārtiņš Ķigurs lashed in a powerful equaliser from the edge of the box in the 58th minute, and substitute Reginalds Ramirezs scored the winner with a close-range finish in the 74th minute.
• FCSB pressure: The hosts pushed for an equaliser, hitting the crossbar twice in the final ten minutes, but Auda’s defence and Matrevics in goal held on.

Tactical story

FCSB dominated possession (65%) but struggled to break down a compact Auda midfield block. The visitors’ tactical discipline, especially in the second half, frustrated FCSB’s creative players. Auda’s quick transitions and ability to exploit space behind the full‑backs proved decisive. Head coach Tomislavs Ausējs will be delighted with his side’s efficiency – they scored three times from just five shots on target.

Standout players

• Mārtiņš Ķigurs (FK Auda Riga): Dominated midfield, scored the equaliser, and set up the winner.
• Rihards Matrevics (FK Auda Riga): Made several crucial saves, particularly in stoppage time, to preserve the lead.
• Darius Olaru (FCSB): Calm from the penalty spot and creative in possession, but lacked support in the final third.

Season impact

This result puts FK Auda Riga in a strong position to advance to the next qualifying round. For FCSB, the defeat is a major blow to their Conference League hopes. The Romanian side will need a two‑goal win in the away leg to progress – a daunting task given Auda’s defensive resilience at home. The return leg is scheduled for 31 July 2026.