Malmo is one step closer to the UEFA Champions League following a convincing victory in Riga.

Consecutive 3-1 victories in the First Qualifying Round against the Georgian team Iberia in 1999 allowed the Allsvenskan champions to advance and face RFS, who defeated FCI Levadia from Estonia with a score of 2-0 on aggregate.

Malmo were living up to their favorites label within the first 13 minutes - RFS goalkeeper Marko Maric managed to stop Sead Haksabanovic, but could only deflect the ball to the approaching Otto Rosengren, who seized the rebound to score the opening goal.

The Swedish team continued to dominate the first half, with Jens Stryger and Rosengren both having chances to extend the lead, before the second goal finally arrived with 10 minutes left in the half.

During a corner, the RFS players left Pontus Jansson completely unmarked, allowing him to meet Busanello's delivery with his head and direct the ball past Maric.

However, the Latvian team was not ready to concede, and five minutes later they were back in the match. A corner was played short to Roberts Savalnieks, whose cross was perfectly placed for Darko Lemajic to emerge from the crowded penalty area and head the ball past Robin Olsen.

In the second half, any hopes the home team had of completing a comeback were dashed, as Malmo maintained a professional performance, denying their opponents any shots on goal.

MFF managed only one shot on target themselves, but it was sufficient to secure the win, just before the hour mark.

Hugo Bolin delivered a precise pass to Haksabanovic, whose shot proved too difficult for Maric, and Malmo.

The Swedish champions appeared set for a third 3-1 victory in the UCL Qualifiers until the final moments, when Haksabanovic was fouled in the box by Maric.

The goalkeeper guessed correctly on the resulting penalty, but Lasse Johnsen's kick was perfectly placed, and Malmo found themselves 4-1 ahead.

The Himmelsblatt may have one foot in the Third Qualifying Round, where they will face either a local clash with FC Copenhagen from Denmark or a journey to Kosovo to take on Drita, but first they must navigate next Wednesday's second leg at home.

Follow the UCL Qualifiers on Flashscore.