HJK Helsinki and Riga measure forces at Sonera Stadium, in a second leg for this phase of the UEFA Europa League (3rd Qualifying Round), after the tie for (1‑1) in the first leg. Particular attention is needed for the home / away condition, since both teams have significantly different results at home and abroad.
HJK Helsinki :
The home team comes to this second leg in advantage, after the draw away by (1‑1) in the first leg, so a draw may be enough to get the qualification. This is a stronger team with the support of his fans, since in the last 30 games he has 5 wins, 6 draws and 4 losses as a visitor; against 9 wins, 5 draws and 1 loss in his stadium. The team arrives at this match after a home victory with FC Lahti by (4‑0). In the last 10 games played at home for all competitions, HJK Helsinki won 4, drew 5 and lost 1. The team allowed goals to the opponent in 7 of the last 10 games, so his defense needs to improve, but his attack He has scored regularly as he scored goals in 9 of the last 10 games. In 15 games, he never got the comeback in the 5 games in which he suffered the first goal. There is 1 period that stands out in the last 13 home games for all competitions: he suffered 4 of his 10 goals between minutes (76′ ‑ 90 ‘).
The HJK is motivated for this match, after a 4-0 victory against Lahti, in a match for the Finnish championship. We remember that the home team won 1-1 in Riga in the first game of this tie: the team’s only goal was scored by Tim Vayrynen. By playing at home, where he usually does excellent performances, the Finnish club should favor the maintenance of ball possession and organized attacks. The far left Riski is the great danger in the attack front. This player is very strong in hand to hand and to take the ball to attack. All equipment is available for this game.
Riga:
The away team comes to this second leg at a disadvantage, because despite the draw in the first leg they suffered 1 goal at home. This is a team that curiously has been stronger outside than at home, since in the last 30 games it records 9 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses as a visitor; against 8 wins, 4 draws and 3 losses in his stadium. The team arrives at this match after a victory away with Rīgas FS by (1-2). In the last 10 games played as a visitor for all competitions, Riga won 6, drew 1 and lost 3. His attack has scored regularly, as he scored goals in 7 of the last 10 games. In 15 games, he suffered the first goal 6 times, but he got the comeback in 3. In the last 15 home games for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: he suffered 5 of his 11 goals between minutes (76′ ‑ 90 ‘ ).
Riga comes for this match after a 1-2 win against Rigas FS, in a match for the Latvian championship. In the qualifying round for the Europa League, the Latvians beat the Piast Poles. In this second encounter with the HJK, now playing away from home, coach Mihails Konevs should benefit a medium or low block and counterattacks, taking full advantage of the space in the opponent’s back. The offensive midfielder Brisola is one of the great weapons in this team and is very important in the creation of the offensive game. For this second game, the coach can count on all his players.
