Resolute Elfsborg edge past Rīga

IF Elfsborg took another step towards a return to UEFA Cup action with a single-goal success against a determined FK Rīga outfit.

Avdic winner
The Swedish side had the upper hand during the first ten minutes and took the lead shortly after with what proved to be the game's only goal. The home side were quicker to react on 18 minutes when Riga goalkeeper Sergejs Čepčugovs parried a shot and Denni Avdic was the first to the rebound.

Sturdy defence
The Latvian side tried to strike back with plenty of forward movement but after several unsuccessful attempts to forge opportunities their creativity faded against a defence that has only conceded one goal in five UEFA Intertoto Cup matches this campaign. Indeed, Elfsborg took the initiative thereafter and had a few good opportunities to increase the margin of their victory, particularly towards the end of the first half.

Wiland influence
Nothing changed in the second half as the hosts started brightly again and spurned several chances to add to their tally. At the other end the Riga forwards were still unable to break through the resilient home defence until the latter stages but even then they found Elfsborg custodian Johan Wiland willing to charge from his goal to put the shackles on the visitors' strikers.