Riga ends Vardar's European campaign after dramatic comeback

Vardar FC were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after losing 5-2 in extra time away to Riga in the second leg of their second qualifying round tie.

The North Macedonian champions produced a heroic performance, playing with 10 men from the 20th minute and holding a two-goal aggregate advantage until the closing stages of regular time, CE Report quotes MIA.

Vardar quickly erased the 2-3 first-leg deficit from Skopje when David Babunski opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a superb volley.

Just two minutes later, Najdovski was sent off for a foul on the edge of the penalty area following a defensive error by Matić. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Vardar regained the aggregate lead in the 66th minute through Omeragić and looked set to progress.

However, Talvo scored for Riga in the 87th minute to force extra time after beating goalkeeper Talevski, who had produced an outstanding performance throughout the match.

The Latvian side completed the comeback in extra time. Auani equalized in the 92nd minute, Siqueira put Riga ahead in the 105th minute, Ramirez extended the lead in the 109th minute, and Ferreira sealed the 5-2 victory in the 117th minute.

Vardar head coach Fabijani was also sent off with a straight red card late in the first period of extra time.

Vardar returned to European competition this season after a six-year absence. They had previously been eliminated by KuPS of Finland in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League with a 4-3 aggregate defeat.

Photo Facebook/fcvardarad