Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
On Tuesday, July 8, in the first qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League, Levadia will face RFS. I'm backing a bet on goals in this clash.
Key facts and head-to-head history
- Levadia's best run in Champions League qualifying is the third round.
- Levadia are on a six-match winning streak.
- RFS have won 8 of their last 9 matches.
- This is only the third time in history RFS are playing in Champions League qualifying.
- This will be the first-ever official meeting between these two teams.
Match preview
Levadia were crowned Estonian champions in 2024. The Green-and-Whites have now claimed this title for the tenth time in their history, which is the second-highest tally—only Flora have more (15). However, like other Estonian clubs, Levadia have never made a significant impact in European competitions.
In the current Estonian league campaign, Flora and Levadia are once again battling for the championship. After 20 rounds, Levadia lead the standings, three points ahead of their rivals. Last weekend, Levadia cruised to a 3-0 away win over Paide, following victories against Narva (2-1) and Nõmme Kalju (3-1).
RFS secured their third Latvian league title last season, finishing three points clear of Riga FC. RFS also stunned many by reaching the group stage of the Europa League, where they picked up 5 points and finished 32nd overall.
This season in Latvia, RFS are chasing a fourth domestic crown, but currently trail Riga FC by three points. RFS suffered their most recent defeat against Riga FC on June 18, losing 1-3. Since then, RFS have won four games in a row, including a 2-1 victory over Liepaja in their latest outing.
Probable lineups
- Levadia: Vallner - Schöning-Larsen, Tammik, Iboro - Liivak, Ainsalu, Adjiri, Musaba, Mavretic - Tambedu, Roosnupp
- RFS: Nerugal - Mares, Lipušček, Prenga, Savalnieks - Odisharia, Karasima, Panic, Zelenkov - Ikaunieks, Lemajić
Levadia vs RFS match prediction
The Latvian side come in as favorites for this tie, but they've recently shown some defensive vulnerabilities. My pick is that both teams will find the net in this encounter.
