Thu Oct 03 18:03:00 UTC 2024: ## Galatasaray Aim for Europa League Victory in Riga against RFS
**Riga, Latvia** – Turkish giants Galatasaray will travel to Latvia on Thursday for a crucial Europa League clash against RFS, seeking to build on their impressive start to the competition.
The reigning Turkish Süper Lig champions enter the match following a dominant 3-1 victory over PAOK in the first round. Despite falling short in the Champions League playoffs against Young Boys, Galatasaray wasted no time making their mark in the Europa League.
However, the Istanbul side will face RFS without several key players. Starting goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is suspended, and veteran Günay Güvenç will step in between the posts. Meanwhile, star playmaker Hakim Ziyech is recovering from a muscle injury, and new signing Roland Sallai, along with Eyüp Aydın and Gökdeniz Gürpüz, are unavailable for the match.
Despite the absences, Galatasaray will be relying on the firepower of Mauro Icardi, who has been in excellent form, and the experience of midfielders Dries Mertens and Lucas Torreira.
RFS, the Latvian Virsliga champions, will be looking to rebound from their 4-1 loss to FCSB in their opening Europa League match. While they are strong domestically, they have struggled to replicate that form on the European stage.
However, RFS will be without several players themselves. Defensive midfielder Alfusainey Jatta and forward Ismael Diomande are sidelined with long-term injuries, and winger Emerson Deocleciano remains out.
The spotlight will be on Icardi and Güvenç for Galatasaray, while RFS will look to their resilient home form and defensive strategy.
A win for Galatasaray would further strengthen their position in the group, while RFS will need a strong performance to keep their European dreams alive.
First Piper 