RFS vs UE Santa Coloma prediction 14.08.2024 | Europa League

• Competition: Europa League Qualifiers, 3rd Round, 2nd Leg
• Date: Wednesday, 14th August, 2024
• Kickoff: 17:00 UK / 18:00 CEST
• Venue: LNK Sporta Parks (Riga)

Following a 2:0 win for RFS in Andorra, UE Santa Coloma will try to turn things around in the second leg of the Europa League third Qualifying Round at LNK Sporta Parks in Riga.

RFS are currently one of Latvia's top two teams. Last season, they clinched the league title in dramatic fashion, capitalizing on a final-day slip-up by Riga FC, who managed to win only one point. This year, RFS are looking much stronger and is, without a doubt, the best team in the league after about two-thirds of the season. Right now, they are holding the top spot with a four-point advantage and the games played. In the Champions League Qualifiers, after beating Larne, they were unlucky enough to face off against Bodo/Glimt, who knocked them in the second round. However, they are massive favorites to advance to the Playoff Round after winning 2:0 in the first leg.

UE Santa Coloma had a historic season last year, winning their first-ever league title and the domestic cup. However, as expected, they are not a team that can do much in Europe. In fact, their win against FC Ballkani in the first round of the Champions League Qualifiers was their only one in 21 European games so far. But even that win was lucky, as the opposing team received a red card, which played a significant role in their success. Now, they will have a really tough job overcoming a two-goal deficit, and the bookies have little faith in their ability, offering odds up to 41 for their advancement in the next round.

RFS vs UE Santa Coloma pick: Both teams to score - NO

The primary reason for this bet is Santa Coloma's inability to score goals. They failed to score it in the last three games (two against Midtjylland and one against RFS). In five games in this season's European Qualifiers, UE Santa Coloma scored just twice (in the regular time), with one of those goals being an autogoal. If we look at their European games in recent seasons, we shouldn't be surprised, as they scored just four goals in 16 matches.

In the first leg, RFS won 2:0, while UE Santa Coloma had almost no chances. All of their chances were long-range shots, and the Andorrian team was not even close to converting them into a goal. So, if they failed to score at home, we do not expect a different outcome on the road.

On the other hand, we think that RFS are capable of scoring against UE Santa Coloma at home, and they are undoubtedly a better team overall. However, we are not convinced they will cover the -1.5/2 AH spread since they already have a two-goal advantage. So, considering everything above, we believe that both teams to score - NO bet should be the best option for the upcoming game.