Preview: Europa League returns as FC RFS visit | OneFootball

After beating Besiktas in their last Europa League outing, Eintracht are hoping for three more points when they host Latvian side FC RFS on Thursday evening.

Backdrop

The Eagles played their first match after the international break at the weekend, and now Matchday 3 of the league phase of the UEFA Europa League is just around the corner. Following a draw against Plzeň in the European opener at Deutsche Bank Park and the 3-1 victory at Besiktas JK three weeks ago, Eintracht have now trained their focus on collecting a first continental victory on home soil this season when they take on Latvian side FC RFS on Thursday 24 October (kick-off 18:45 CEST).

Dino Toppmöller’s charges currently sit seventh on four points in the league phase standings, aware that another win would likely improve their position in the table. That would certainly be beneficial given the competition’s new format this term, in which the top eight teams qualify automatically for the last 16.  “We’re really looking forward to it,” said Rasmus Kristensen. “We need to pick up all three points against Riga, and with the support of our fans behind us we can do that.” “Our aim is to win at home; that’s what we’re focusing on,” said sporting director Timmo Hardung. “It’s an important game so we need to give it our all.”

RFS secured an impressive 2-2 draw against Galatasaray in their last Europa League assignment, having lost 4-1 against FCSB in Bucharest in their opening fixture. On the domestic front, head coach Viktors Morozs’ side are defending champions and are currently top of the Virsliga standings following a 4-1 win over FK Tukums 2000 on Sunday.