[FM26] An Argentine's Journey

038: Prepping for a European surprise.

Diego Correa has guided Europa into the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round for the second successive season. Before taking on a surprise opponent in that competition, The Green Machine played two pre-season friendlies and conducted some early transfer business.

The first friendly was with fellow Gibraltar Football League side Manchester 62, who would win the exhibition with a Dani López goal just before the break.

After that, a testimonial was held in honour of the retiring Alberto Quintana. The 37yo Spaniard arrived at Europa back in 2023 from Elche Ilicitano, going on to net 25 times across 204 league appearances; notably winning the Rock Cup twice and the Pepe Reyes Cup once. The match saw a few of Quintana's old teammates feature, most notably Hassane Adamou and Álvaro Mayorga. Sadly for Quintana himself, the midfielder didn't take part due to retiring a day prior as he struggled with knee issues. On the pitch, it ended in a 3-2 win for GFL runners-up St. Joseph's. Armend Mema and Mayorga scored for Europa, as Mario González, Xabi Goikoetxea and Víctor Ávila converted for STJ.

There has been just one new signing for Europa so far. Niko is a 32yo goalkeeper arriving on a free from St. Joseph's. He could end up replacing Christian Lopez, but for now comes in with the agreed playing time of back-up. Mike Leary becomes third-choice. Elsewhere, midfielder Borja Alonso has departed at the end of his contract; he'll be a miss, but he wished to depart despite only spending one season with the team.

The UEFA Conference League first qualifying round draw has been held and Europa have been given a very interesting match-up.

FC Kontu (a fifth tier team as of 2024) will be their opponents across two legs, they are an amateur team out of Finland who won the Suomen Cup to qualify. It appears the Football Association of Finland have, since 2025, made the decision* to only allow amateur teams to take part in their premier cup competition. It's a bold strategy, especially in regards to those all-important coefficient points. The winner of the tie will face Noah (ARM) or EB/Streymur (FRO). A good chance to advance a few rounds for whoever wins.

*it's a bug, but we'll go with it

Thanks for reading! Next Update: July + August.

The Save So Far:

039: Correa chases continental conquest.

After failing to beat Banga of Lithuania across two legs last year, Diego Correa went into a two-legged UEFA Conference League tie with Finnish amateurs FC Kontu in search of the first European win of his managerial career.

FC Kontu are the definition of an unknown quantity, so those from Gibraltar weren't totally sure what to expect. It turns out the bunch of amateurs (should've got the actual BoA in to film a documentary about FCK's rise!) were a fairly talented and spirited lot. The Finns twice took the lead through Joni Riihimäki (8mins) and Joni Palosaari (42mins), but Correa's Europa would end up claiming victory after goals from Armend Mema, Hernán Saldãna and, right at the death, Curtis Morrell.

Back on home soil in Gibraltar, the same scoreline played out as Europa won 3-2 again. The Green Machine would go 2-0 ahead in the first half through Amoros Nshimirimana and Hernán Saldãna, though Kontu would comeback for 2-2 by minute 61 via a Jani Forss double. It would take another late goal to win it for Europa, as Jozef Mravec popped up on 90 minutes to seal a 6-4 aggregate win. The Argentine is officially off the mark in continental competition.

Next up? Noah of Armenia, who beat Faroese outfit EB/Streymur 5-4 on agg.

In the 2QR, Europa headed to Yerevan and came back with a 1-1 draw in Armenia against Noah, that's despite Tomás Ildefonso getting himself sent off on 44mins. Amoros Nshimirimana would put Correa's boys in front six minutes into the second half, though by the hour mark Pape Gueye had got the Armenians level. All to play for in leg two!

Sadly, a week later it would be Noah who would progress into the third qualifying round to face Breiðablik. Ex-Lyon man Houssem Aouar initially put FCN one-nil to the good on 12 minutes, before an Artur Ohanyan own-goal made it 1-1 on the night and 2-2 on aggregate. The winner would come from Nardin Mulahusejnović on 87 minutes, which made it a somewhat painful departure for the Gibraltarians. A respectable run though.

That exit in Europe meant one friendly was needed to fill the gap before the Gibraltar Football League got going. Affiliate club Linense were beaten 2-0 thanks to a Michael Ruiz brace at the Victoria Stadium.

Valen Gómez - picked up by the director of football - joined Europa during the week before the GFL's start. He is a 29yo right winger who spent the last four seasons as a squad player for the all-conquering Lincoln Red Imps.

For the second season running, Europa opened their league campaign with a match against College 75. Unlike twelve months prior, this encounter was not tight. The Green Machine sparkled to a 5-0 victory, as Armend Mema's opener was followed by a Michael Ruiz double and sole goals from Jozef Mravec and Amoros Nshimirimana.

Matchday 2 saw a tricky fixture with likely fellow Europe chasers Manchester 62. It was a tale of two penalties, as Mathys Nedjari converted on 4 minutes before Amoros Nshimirimana did likewise on 79mins. A point that both teams will take.

The third wheel of this presumed battle for the UEFA Conference League is probably going to be Magpies, who Europa met in game three. It would to be a win for Diego Correa's side, as they recovered from going a goal down through Pablo Arenzana to claim the points with strikes from Hernán Saldãna and Amoros Nshimirimana.

On Deadline Day, a player from yesteryear rejoined Europa. Nicholas Pozo spent 2031-32 on loan with The Green Machine and featured well, but soon decided to leave in favour of a permanent move to St. Joseph's. He was released by The Saints in the off-season after just 5 appearances for the GFL runners-up last campaign. Correa welcomes him back with open arms, though the Gibraltarian will start life back at the club on the bench due to the recent form of Armend Mema and Curtis Morrell.

On the pitch, it has been a positive opening chunk. The UECL was given a satisfactory attempt and after three in the league they sit atop the table; others do, of course, have games in hand though and a title race is not expected. September and October is set to feature 7 matches, most notably versus the two big boys in Lincoln Red Imps and St. Joseph's. The other five fixtures are all winnable, mind you.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: September + October.

The Save So Far:

040: Winter is coming.

After three matches played, Europa sat atop the standings in Gibraltar. No-one in or around the club is expecting that to continue, but a continuation of this positive start could end up being crucial in claiming the much desired top four finish come the campaign's conclusion in April 2034.

Glacis United and Europa met to open September 2033 and the encounter would feature six goals - thankfully, for Correa, his side would score the most. David Velázquez put The Clarets ahead on 30 minutes, but by the 70th minute Glacis Utd would find themselves 4-1 down after Green Machine goals from Amoros Nshimirimana (2), Michael Ruiz and Gianmarco Venturini. Jacobo de Oro added a consolation for the ‘hosts’ on 88mins.

The winning streak was extended to three next time out, as Europa defeated Europa Point 3-1. Jozef Mravec netted to precede another double from Amoros Nshimirimana for 3-0, Ashton Wahnon would pull one back for Point late on but the overall outcome wasn't altered.

Europa came back down to Earth on 18 September with a 4-1 loss to Lincoln Red Imps. Diego Correa and his team were a match for the title holders for the first half, even going 1-0 up on 43 minutes after an exquisite free-kick from Curtis Morrell. The Red Imps were a different side after that goal, as they notched braces for Juan Rodríguez and Marks Inchaud before the 67th minute.

Hound Dogs were Europa's next opponent. It was a tighter fixture than anticipated, with The Green Machine only coming away victorious thanks to a minute 92 strike from Pascasio Bonoha; who belatedly claimed his first competitive Europa goal… a big time to score it!

A simple victory over Lions was claimed in the middle of October. An own-goal from James Parkinson sent Europa on their way on 27 minutes, before Oscar Sánchez made it two before the interval. After the break, strikers Michael Ruiz and Amoros Nshimirimana made the scoreline look even nicer.

Nicholas Pozo came up with a double one week later, which fueled Europa to a two-nil Victoria Stadium triumph over Mons Calpe.

Oh! To conclude October, Europa secured a shock 2-1 win over St. Joseph's - and that's even after playing 67 minutes with ten men following Michael Ruiz's early red card. Nicholas Pozo and Ruiz himself had previously put Correa's side 2-0 up after 14 minutes. Fran Pereira eventually got The Saints on the scoresheet in the 90th minute, but thankfully nothing further came their way. Great win!

Well then… Europa still sit 1st in the Gibraltar Football League, who saw that coming? Not Diego Correa! There is still twelve matches remaining in the regular season, as well as those five post-season matches. No-one of a Green Machine persuasion is anticipating a fight for the title, but naturally everyone is very pleased with where they currently find themselves. Whisper this quietly though: they don't have to face Lincoln Red Imps or St. Joseph's again until the New Year so, I guess, you never know where they might end up… a Europa x Magpies title race, who says no?

Would you look at that! Diego Correa has only gone and received the first award of his managerial career! Getting the Manager of the Month accolade when not managing Lincoln Red Imps or St. Joseph's is no mean feat. Nicholas Pozo, meanwhile, even won Player of the Month, which makes him the first player of Correa's to win it, I believe. It's all happening at Europa!

Thanks for reading! Next Update: November + December.

The Save So Far:

041: Surprise title challenge?

Sitting top at almost the halfway point meant that Europa were naturally linked with a title race. Diego Correa and Europa were firmly playing that down, but further strong form across November and December would intensify those calls.

The first match of November would end up being a 3-3 draw with mid-table Lynx. It's a disappointing result on paper, though Lynx have had an exceptional campaign thus far; for example they finished bottom last season. It is still most certainly points dropped, especially as Europa were 2-0 up via Valen Gómez and Amoros Nshimirimana. It was Tiago Martins and Cameron Barton who got The Yellows level before half-time. Lynx even went 3-2 up on 70 minutes through Evan Busto, but thankfully Armend Mema found an equaliser for The Green Machine a few minutes after.

A defeat would follow versus Manchester 62. An early goal from Rodrigo Miguel was the difference in this one.

How quickly it can change! It became three winless out of nowhere for Europa, as bottom half College 75 held them to a 1-1 draw. Romain Soule got the ‘away' team's opener, though Nicholas Pozo would make it tied 17 minutes later. Unfortunately for Europa, Ethan Britto was sent off on 38 minutes and they couldn't get ahead at any point.

Make that four without victory, as surprise table toppers Magpies won 2-1 at the Victoria Stadium. Miguel Román's 1-0 goal was neutralised by Valen Gómez on 61 minutes, though Magpies would still snatch the three points in minute 77 via Sean Carnegie.

The 4-4-2 was firmly ditched after that previous loss, with Diego Correa switching back to an old 4-3-3 DM formation for the rest of the year. The change paid immediate dividends, as Europa thrashed Glacis United 4-0. Curtis Morrell got his name on the scoresheet first and was eventually joined by Tomás Ildefonso, Amoros Nshimirimana and Pascasio Bonoha. A much needed recover, this.

A job centre development came Diego Correa's way in the succeeding midweek, as Spanish fourth tier team UD Melilla offered an interview after deeming themselves “very impressed” by the Argentine's work at Europa. With the African-based outfit fighting relegation, the boss immediately (but respectfully) declined the interview. Correa noted to a local reporter that he holds no desire to go back and manage in the Spanish lower leagues.

The resumption of positive form continued to end 2033, as Europa Point were beaten by two goals; which were scored by Jozef Mravec and Curtis Morrell.

That November/early December run of results were damaging, but the larger picture is still good for Europa as they sit 3rd; well in the running for UEFA Conference League football next season. They are ‘only' four points off top spot, though expected champs Lincoln Red Imps have a game in hand. The Green Machine are 7pts clear inside the top four, which has always remained the objective despite the shortlived title flirtations.

The Red Imps are Europa's next opponents, with Hound Dogs, Lions, Mons Calpe, St. Joseph's and Lynx to come to complete the regular season. After that, the top six Championship Group will commence; it would be a big shock if they didn't make the post-season, given the current 14pt gap. The Rock Cup is also still to be played.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: January + February + March.

The Save So Far:

042: The goal is Europe.

Europa had a brief flirtation with a title charge, but now head into 2034 aiming to simply complete their original objective: The UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

Before January 2034's action started, Fabián Urzain penned terms with the club via the director of football. The 29yo Spanish left winger had been a free agent since leaving Lincoln Red Imps in June 2033, having only played 5 times in the Gibraltar Football League for them across two seasons. Urzain will offer firm competition for Hernán Saldãna.

Europa would then face the new arrival's former team on the pitch, as Lincoln Red Imps comfortably won 2-0 after first half strikes for Samu Herrero and Abdullahi Obi.

Europa got back on the right tracks seven days later, as Hound Dogs were dominated in a 4-1 victory. Amoros Nshimirimana hit a first 45' brace, in a half that also saw goals for Curtis Morrell and new boy Fabián Urzain. Nathan Fortunato gave Hound Dogs something to shout about in the second half for 4-1.

A first of two match-ups with Lynx took place on 22 January, as a GFL meeting ended in a two-nil success for Diego Correa's Europa. Hernán Saldãna and Curtis Morrell netted.

The two sides then met in the Rock Cup first round, with Europa the ones to progress after an early goal from Valen Gómez.

Another 1-0 victory followed and it was another won with a 5th-minute goal, as Amoros Nshimirimana converted a spot-kick against Mons Calpe.

The Rock Cup reached the quarter-final stage in February's second match, as Europa unfortunately lost out to Manchester 62. A tight game was split open by a Mathys Nedjari penalty on 73 minutes. That makes it a third QF exit in a row for Mr. Correa with Europa, having not made the semi-finals since his days with Glacis United; when they astonishingly beat Lincoln Red Imps and almost defeated St. Joseph's to reach the final. Yet with a better team, no dice.

Speaking of St. Joseph's, they were the penultimate opponents of the regular campaign for Europa. A 1-1 draw was played out, as Amoros Nshimirimana's spot-kick in minute 12 was equalised by Siren Diao on 25mins.

The initial part of the season concluded with a 2-0 win over Lynx, as wingers Valen Gómez and Hernán Saldãna hit half two goals.

Europa sit 3rd going into the Championship Group. 12pts off Lincoln Red Imps, who are all set to win a seventh consecutive GFL title. Magpies are 1pt ahead of Europa, with St. Joseph's (fourth) 3pts behind and, most importantly, Manchester 62 adrift by 8pts. With five fixtures to fulfill, UEFA Conference League ball should be coming The Green Machine's way for a third straight campaign.

A defeat to Man 62 to open the next stage might change things, however, so still work to do for Correa's team. It is a tough-looking post-season this year given Magpies' rise, there isn't really an easy game except for Glacis United - and they aren't exactly mugs either. You'd like to think Man 62 will drop as many points as they'd win though. We'll see.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: March + April.

The Save So Far:

043: Back in the UECL?

A place in the UEFA Conference League was within reach for Europa, meaning even a slight drop-off in the post-season would secure their place in the qualifying phase of the continent's third tier club competition.

Before the action got going, Diego Correa put pen-to-paper on a new one-year contract with Europa; taking his stay with The Green Machine to June 2035. There are rumours that the Argentine plans to depart next year in search of a new challenge.

Manchester 62 were the team chasing a top four finish coming into the Championship Group. Europa kept them at bay with a goalless draw at the Victoria Stadium.

It would be another draw in Europa's next fixture, as they picked up a bonus point against domestic treble winners (again) Lincoln Red Imps. Curtis Morrell levelled Alfredo Alegre's opener.

A thumping victory over Glacis United sealed Europa's top four spot. Michael Townsend actually gave Diego Correa's ex-club an early advantage, but it turned out The Clarets simply poked the bear as The Green Machine struck back with an Amoros Nshimirimana hat-trick as well as goals from Hernán Saldãna and Curtis Morrell. The latter has become a fantastic player for Europa, there were initially concerns he wouldn't be as good as the departing Borja Alonso - who he replaced - but Morrell has been class.

On the penultimate day of the season, Europa magnificently defeated St. Joseph's - who have, admittedly, been a poorer outfit this year; they only lost once last campaign! Valen Gómez and Amoros Nshimirimana sealed a comeback win here, after Xabi Goikoetxea had put STJ ahead on 45 minutes. This also secured Europa a second-place finish, which is even more impressive.

Europa completed their campaign in further style, beating mid-season league leaders Magpies; who subsequently fell out of the European places, which is rather rough. Hernán Saldãna netted the second goal of this fixture, while the first came from Golden Boot winner Amoros Nshimirimana. The 32yo Burundi international is, as it stands, departing in the upcoming off-season due to the expiration of his contract, having decided to ‘explore options’ last year. He'll be a huge miss, what a player though!

2nd is outstanding for Europa, that's only the second time in the save (last: 2028-29) that The Green Machine have placed inside the top two. It also marks further factual improvement under Diego Correa, who has guided them to 4th, 3rd and now 2nd. Champions next season, right?! Lincoln Red Imps finish 14pts clear, so not quite. A below par St. Joseph's place 3rd, while Manchester 62 nick the last European spot off Magpies on the final day. Glacis United made the post-season again, so fair play to them.

Onwards to 2034-35!

Thanks for reading! Next Update: Pre-Season.

The Save So Far:

044: Another new season.

Diego Correa is about to start his fourth season with Europa in the Gibraltar Football League. It is widely reported that it will be the Argentine's last campaign with The Green Machine before going off in search of new surroundings. Either way, it's time for Correa and his team to prepare for 2034-35.

The main takeaway from this pre-pre-season phase was the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round draw, where Europa were drawn with Meistriliiga side Nõmme Kalju. This will be the Estonians fourth entry into Europe in the save and they haven't yet won a tie overall, losing at their first step of the UECL on each occasion. Europa, alternatively, progressed past Finnish amateurs Kontu last campaign. The winners will play Petrovac (MNE) or Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO) in the 2QR.

The first summer signing was Darren Evans, a 24yo attacker from Glacis United. He scored 9 goals and notched 5 assists in 25 appearances for the top half club in 2033-34. Mr. Correa believed he was the best player available to replace the outgoing star striker Amoros Nshimirimana. But wait, an unexpected development followed…

Amoros Nshimirimana ended up changing his mind about departing and sealed a new two-year contract! That's great news, as Europa keep hold of the forward that has won the Gibraltar Football League's top goalscorer award in two of the last three seasons.

It does, however, create a possible issue after the arrival of Darren Evans, who was promised a starring role upfront. Given that Europa currently play just one upfront, things might get moany soon from Evans. You can't not re-sign Nshimirimana, though it would've been more ideal if the Burundian had signalled his intentions to stay sooner; he was offered a new deal (which he rejected) in the days leading to Evans' signing.

Another new face wil be Carlos Bello, a 23yo Venezuelan centre-back who joins from Manchester 62. Most Man 62 players tend to not want to join Europa, so to get Bello in is a massive coup; he was integral to The Red Devils' late charge to the Conference League places last season.

The only downside are his wages, which are certainly affordable but Correa has been respecting Europa's unofficial wage structure since he joined in 2031; which is all players earn no more than £500 p/w, with Bello (£725) and Tomás Ildefonso (£900) the only exceptions that the Argentine has sanctioned due to how needed those players were given the lack of suitable alternatives. For context, Lincoln Red Imps pay 16 players between £1k and £2k per week. Even Manchester 62 pay 10 players over £500 p/w; 5 are even on £1k+. St. Joseph's (surprisingly) and Magpies do pay around the same as Europa, though.

The pre-season play started with a rare match with the U23s. The first-team would win 5-0 as braces from Hernán Saldãna and Valen Gómez was followed by a penalty for Armend Mema.

The next exhibition encounter took place against Manchester 62, who won on spot-kicks following a goalless draw at the Victoria Stadium.

The last game before the UEFA Conference League qualifiers was against Hound Dogs, who suffered a 5-0 defeat to Europa. Valen Gómez opened the scoring, before FCHD's hopes were dashed by a 44th-minute red card to Tyler Francis. Gómez added a second in the subsequent half, which also saw Fabián Urzain. Curtis Morrell and Darren Evans get on the sizeable scoresheet.

A solid pre-season before the season proper, which starts imminently versus Nõmme Kalju in the UEFA Conference League 1QR.

The GFL campaign will begin - for the third straight season - against College 75. Lincoln Red Imps and Lions are on the way shortly after. Speaking of the Red Imps, Europa also will play them in September as they have the Pepe Reyes Cup (aka Super Cup) to take part in. It'll officially be Diego Correa's debut in a final and it adds the possibility (albeit very slim) to win the first trophy of his career. What a way it would be to do so, as Lincoln are the very big favourites.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: July + August.

The Save So Far:

045: The UECL returns!

2034-35 starts now, as Diego Correa's Europa head into UEFA Conference League 1QR (vs. Nõmme Kalju) and Gibraltar Football League action.

Nõmme Kalju were dominated in the first leg of this UEFA Conference League first qualifying round tie, but in fairness managed to stand up firm to Europa's dominance (shots: 24-7, target: 11-3, xG: 2.01-0.28, P%: 59-41) to secure a precious 0-0 draw.

A week later, it was a much more even affair and it was unfortunately the Estonians who advanced - after extra time - to face Dinamo Tbilisi. Stiven Teever scored twice either side of a Curtis Morrell goal, with Europa's Jozef Mravec netting The Green Machine's secondary equaliser on 77 miutes. Within seconds of the extra time restart, Laurynas Paulauskas struck what would turn out to be the winner at the A. Le Coq Arena.

That European exit meant that a gap in the schedule needed filling, so Europa took on the lowly Royal Gibraltar Regiment, senior affiliate team Linense and Correa's old team Xerez Deportivo in friendlies. All three matches saw victories, as Amoros Nshimirimana notably netted every goal of a 5-0 win over Gib Reg. Hernán Saldãna and Curtis Morrell would then net in a 2-1 triumph against Linense (Miguel Teno got their goal), before XD were beat 3-0 as Hernán Saldãna's double was complimented by an Aaron Mbemba own-goal. Xerez Deportivo, who had reached tier three not long after Correa's 90-game spell. were relegated to tier five last season - sad times!

A third successive opening day match in the Gibraltar Football League against College 75 saw Europa take a comfortable 3-1 win. Curtis Morrell netted in minute 12, before Amoros Nshimirimana added a double before half-time. Adam Mellor got a consolation back late on for C75.

Matchday 2 saw a 3-0 victory over Lions, as Armend Mema's 51st-minute penalty was followed by a Hernán Saldãna brace. Europa were supposed to face Lincoln Red Imps on MD2, but that fixture was rescheduled due to the Red Imps having a UEFA Europa League league phase (the first time they've made that stage of the UEL) game with Portimonense (POR). This means it'll be a double match-up with Lincoln to begin next month, given the Pepe Reyes Cup final is also up for grabs.

At these embryonic stages, Europa sit 2nd behind Magpies. Long way to go! Some teams have played thrice, some twice and - in the case of Lincoln Red Imps - some zero-ce.

September sees a daunting start as Europa take on the two big boys across three matches. The aforementioned Pepe Reyes Cup opens the month, it'll be a tough ask but Diego Correa has the opportunity to win his first managerial trophy.

There was one final signing, he goes by the name of Kyle King - a 23yo right-back arriving on a free after leaving Lions at the end of last season. He isn't all that good at all but the squad needed a back-up in that position to Tomás Ildefonso.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: September + October.

The Save So Far:

046: Back to the usual.

With the UEFA Conference League qualifiers out of the way, it was time for Europa and Diego Correa to head back to the domestic action. September 2034 would see the Argentine's first chance to win some silverware in the form of the Pepe Reyes Cup, albeit against tough opposition.

The Pepe Reyes Cup (aka Super Cup) was up first and Diego Correa came painfully close to lifting his first trophy. Gibraltarian giants Lincoln Red Imps (domestic treble champs last campaign) were the huge favourites here, but the Gibraltar Football League runners-up matched their oppo's level for almost the full duration at the Victoria Stadium. However, a goal in the 120th minute from Juan Rodríguez sealed Lincoln their 21st Pepe Reyes Cup. So close for Europa!

Days later, the two teams met again in the league and it was another late goal from Juan Rodríguez - this time a minute 91 leveller - that stopped Europa from a positive result. Hernán Saldãna had given The Green Machine an advantage in the 47th minute, but Rodríguez would salvage a point right at the death for the Red Imps. That's what champions do etc.

Game 3 of the month saw yet another late dagger, as St. Joseph's beat Europa 3-2 thanks to Óscar Ortiz six minutes from time. Oriol Marty had put the eventual winners 1-0 up on 7 minutes, before Europa themselves went in front via Tomás Ildefonso and Carlos Bello. Siren Diao equalised on 52 minutes, preceding a red card to Europa's Hernán Saldãna by nine minutes. This marked Diego Correa's 100th match in charge of The Green Machine, which is the first time he has reached that number with a club.

There were further late goals next time out, though much more in Europa's favour this time. Jozef Mravec and Amoros Nshimirimana netted in the final 17 minutes to claim victory, despite a late consolation for Hound Dogs from Jack Imperato.

Mons Calpe were beaten just over a week after, with Amoros Nshimirimana joining Valen Gómez and Hernán Saldãna on the list of scorers. Kyle Hutchinson would later grab one for The Calpeans on 76 minutes.

The late drama returned on 14 October 2034 during a 2-2 draw between Europa and Lynx. Curtis Morrell made it 1-0 on 18mins, prior to Migue Campaña levelling on 29mins. On 59mins, Amoros Nshimirimana put Europa ahead. However, Miguel Ángel Pagola would clinch a point for The Yellows in the third minute of stoppage time.

Then came a terrible result for Europa, as Hound Dogs secured a shock victory over Diego Correa's team. Leon Connolly's early double survived a comeback attempt via Curtis Morrell to seal a statement win for the usual GFL strugglers.

A 2-0 success over Glacis United would at least put Europa back in the right frame of mind. Armend Mema and Valen Gómez got the goals here.

Despite a patchy run of form, Europa remain 2nd in the Gibraltar Football League; though every other team, bar Hound Dogs, have a game or two or three in hand. An improvement will be needed if Diego Correa is to qualify Europa for the UEFA Conference League qualifiers for a fourth straight season.

November and December has a mix of opponents, from likely champs Lincoln Red Imps to mid-table-ish Europa Point to bottom club College 75.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: November + December.

The Save So Far:

047: A desired improvement?

Although Europa came into November and December sitting 2nd, there were underlying issues that needed fixing - shown most by that recent loss to Hound Dogs, a bottom half team that seldom - like the rest of those down the bottom - cause the top five problems. It wouldn't take much to get things looking better and these months' six fixtures presented a good opportunity to solidify the campaign for the better.

A cracking result came Europa's way to begin November 2034, as they thrashed likely European place rivals Magpies 5-1. Liam Gilbert would get a practically pointless goal back for FCB on 77 minutes, but The Green Machine had already secured the win by that point after braces for Hernán Saldãna and Amoros Nshimirimana; with Darren Evans adding further gloss late on.

Bewilderingly, Europa followed that unexpectedly big win (in more ways than one) with an extremely poor loss against lowly Europa Point; Ashton Wahnon, not for the first time, netted versus Diego Correa's team to claim Point's winner here. That was only one of, iirc, two shots on goal for them.

The same thing happened in Europa's next match, as Lions struck a winner through Juan Miguel Gómez with their only shot on target (possibly their only shot, period).

Thankfully, the same scenario didn't happen for a third match running as basement boys College 75 were sent packing with a 3-1 loss. Amoros Nshimirimana scored in minute 21, before Valen Gómez hit a 7-minute brace at around the 70 minute mark. Tyrese Sutherland's 85th minute goal for C75 meant little.

Lincoln Red Imps were subsequently on the schedule for Europa. It was a somewhat even encounter for the first half, which The Green Machine ended level at 1-1 after Amoros Nshimirimana equalised Juan Rodríguez's opener. Red Imps would, however, show their class in the second half, as Rodríguez (shock - 4 in 3 vs. Europa this season now… still gotta play 'em at least once more; possibly twice) and Alfredo Alegre sealed the points for the champions in waiting.

2034 did at least end on a high note, as Europa scrapped to a 3-2 win over St. Joseph's. Amoros Nshimirimana's early goal was cancelled out by Job Ochieng and Oriol Marty around the 60th minute, though across the final ten minutes Nshimirimana and Jozef Mravec found goals to secure an important victory for Europa and Diego Correa.

More patchiness, though the three December fixtures did offer improved form - despite featuring two of the trickiest opponents. Europa do seem to have randomly become susceptible to those lower down the table, worryingly. They find themselves placed 4th, though Magpies in 5th are level on points and have a game in hand. The Green Machine do need to find some positive consistency across the final 6 games (hopefully 11, top six post-season should be coming their way) if they want UEFA Conference League football (probably top 4).

In theory, across the rest of the regular season it should (should being the key word) only be Manchester 62 and Magpies that cause Europa any issues, but given the aforementoned they're more likely to struggle against Mons Calpe (second bottom) than Man 62 (third). Time will, of course, tell.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: January + February + March.

The Save So Far:

048: Qualifying for the post-season.

With a comfortable 9pt gap to 7th, Europa were almost certainly set for the post-season - but it was time to make it official.

Mons Calpe were beaten in the 2035 starter, with Tomás Ildefonso preceding fellow Europa goals from Jozef Mravec and Amoros Nshimirimana. The Calpeans did pull one back on 54 minutes through Alan Picazzo.

Lynx were defeated 3-0 next time out, as right-back Tomás Ildefonso - who rarely scores - netted for the second consecutive game. Jozef Mravec, less surprisingly, did so too, while Curtis Morrell got the other one in this fixture.

Manchester 62 and Europa played out a score-draw to end January, with both goals coming late. Sean Carnegie thought he may have gained The Red Devils the points on 81 minutes, but within five it was level as Fabián Urzain netted for The Green Machine.

Ricardo Farias penned terms with Europa on Deadline Day, coming it as back-up to fellow goakeeper Niko; with third-choice Mike Leary subsequently becoming unregistered ahead of his contract expiring in the summer. Farias is a 24yo Venezuelan, who has spent recent seasons at Lincoln Red Imps and St. Joseph’s; albeit as squad depth.

Magpies got a big win over UEFA Conference League place rivals Europa to get February underway. Xabi Gómez got the clincher at the Victoria Stadium.

It was to be back-to-back losses for Europa, as Diego Correa's old team Glacis United condemned them to a 2-0 defeat. Jacobo de Oro scored on 10 minutes before assisting Michael Townsend on 30 minutes.

Europa met Magpies again on 18 February, this time in the Rock Cup quarter-finals. Diego Correa has never led The Green Machine into the semi-finals of this competition and unfortunately that negative record continued here, as Magpies won 1-0 again; Óscar Ureña with the winner this time.

That (rare) losing streak was stopped on the final day of the regular season, as Europa snuck past Europa Point with a 61st minute Amoros Nshimirimana strike.

Diego Correa and Europa just cannot get rid of their inconsistency, something that has never really hampered them before across his four-year stint. The one positive is that Europa go into the post-season sitting 4th, which would be enough for the UECL as the Rock Cup final will be between the GFL's top two. Magpies are chasing though, they are currently adrift by just one point. The two sides meet in game three of the Championship Group, which will likely be crucial. Joining the usual top five is Lions, who edged past usual sixth place team Glacis United by two points. Congrats to them, who are Europa's next opponents.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: March + April.

The Save So Far:

049: "Time to Say Goodbye"

After rumours all campaign that Diego Correa would depart Europa at the end of 2034-35, the Argentine boss did confirm to club media before the post-season that the Championship Group fixtures would be his last as manager of The Green Machine. He noted his hopes to end with a UEFA Conference League qualifying spot claimed, so let's see if he and Europa managed to do just that.

Before the games started, a takeover attempt of Europa unfortunately collapsed.

Soon after, Spanish third tier team Mensajero - bottom, set for tier four - offered a job interview out of the blue. Mr. Correa declined.

Lions were Europa's first opponents on the pitch. Amoros Nshimirimana and Carlos Bello sealed a comeback win for The Green Machine, who had found themselves a goal down at half-time due to Juan Miguel Gómez.

Following that, Europa did make one final push to try and retain Diego Correa by offering him a financially improved contract extension, though the Argentine would respectfully reject their advance.

In Match 2 of the post-season, Europa gave soon-to-be champions Lincoln Red Imps a decent game but the big dogs got the win through Jamal Jimoh-Aloba and Zaim Bousbaine.

The big match-up with Magpies followed, with the eventual end result suiting Europa as it ended goalless. That left Diego Correa's bunch 3pts clear of Magpies (5th) with 6pts available.

A top four spot was successfully secured on the penultimate gameday, as Europa claimed a surprising 2-0 victory over second place St. Joseph's. Hernán Saldãna and Amoros Nshimirimana with the decisive strikes.

In the final match of 2034-35, Manchester 62 beat Europa 2-0 with late goals from Oliver Smith and Óscar Ortiz (penalty). Magpies would beat St. Joseph's so matched Europa on points, but The Green Machine clinched 4th on H2H.

It wasn't pretty, but Diego Correa has led Europa to European qualification for a fourth successive campaign after placing 4th.

A few days later, the departure of Diego Correa was officialized. After four years and 123 matches in charge, the Argentine resigns in search of a new challenge elsewhere. It has without question been the best stint of Correa's managerial career thus far, his time at Xerez Deportivo was somewhat similar but reaching a final (albeit a Super Cup) and to manage in Europe whilst improving season-on-season (bar this last one) are all positive signs. Correa departs Europa full of love for the Gibraltar club.

After departing, the Argentine noted in an interview that he was aiming for his next job to be in a top-flight European league. A Gibraltarian journalist would subsequently link Correa with moves to Latvia and Lithuania. We will see how that transpires.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: New Job!

The Save So Far:

050: New horizons.

After exiting the four-year stability that was Europa in Gibraltar in 2035, Diego Correa heads off to the opposite side of Europe in search of the next stage of his managerial career. It would prove to be a very lengthy job search…

The boss had been linked with Latvia & Lithuania and it was a team from the latter that came in first for the Argentine: Kauno Žalgiris, who almost immediately had an interview available. Correa would end up rejecting it due to wanting to aim higher than a relegation battle, as Kauno sat bottom at around the midpoint of the 2035 season.

Džiugas would come in for Correa around a month later, though he rejected them for the same reason as previously; given Džiugas replaced Kauno at the foot of the A Lyga table.

Europa Point offered a route back to Gibraltar, but were bottom and Correa had no plans to head back to the Victoria Stadium unless it was an exceptional opportunity; i.e. Lincoln Red Imps.

Banga - who he faced in Europe as Europa boss in 2032 - offered an interview, which did interest Correa as they were not immediately relegation-threatened over in Lithuania. However, he decided to stick to his guns and aim higher.

Šiauliai and Dainava - also of Lithuania - and Latvian side Metta subsequently showed interest in Correa, but the Argentine turned them down for similar reasons to those already mentioned.

A curveball arrived next, as relegated La Liga team (now Segunda División) offered an interview. Editor's note: I declined this one, as it felt unrealistic for Correa to get such an opportunity. I prefer a more realistic career path, which FM does usually provide in fairness. Bug? Or was I wrong? Didn't feel right, either way.

Banga would later come back in for Diego Correa, though their interview was declined again; albeit with thought.

Plenty of teams in the Spanish lower leagues contacted Mr. Correa, most notably Spanish second tier (likely to be relegated to tier three) Burgos and his former club Andorra. Both/all others were rejected, as Correa did not fancy a return to his adopted homeland.

It was now December 2036, meaning Diego Correa had been out of a job since leaving Europa in May 2035. With the new Latvian and Lithuanian pre-season campaigns underway in about a month or so, the Argentine knew he would have to bite the bullet on a job interview at some point soon. At this point, Dainava would return to offer Correa a second job interview; having done so in June 2036. Correa would this time attend.

The Dainava interview went well and Mr. Correa was expecting an offer to arrive on his table. And it did, but not before the sort of interview he was desiring arrived first. It was from BFC Daugavpils, a mid-table club in Latvia.

That interview also went good, which meant the Argentine would receive approaches from both sides. Dainava actually offered a slightly higher personal wage and minimally better transfer/wage budgets, though Correa much desired a stable job for his next venture. So…

…he accepted BFC Daugavpils' offer! Diego Correa is travelling 2,260 miles from Gibraltar to Latvia!

BFC Daugavpils 🇱🇻 were founded in 2009. They are based in the city of Daugavpils, which derives its name from the nearby Daugava River and is situated in southeastern Latvia; a country that borders Russia, Belarus and (maritime) Sweden. The team started life in tier two in 2010, placing 7th. In 2013, BFC would finish atop the second division after scoring 104 goals across 25 (out of 30) wins; losing just once. 8th, 6th and 8th would come their way in the Virslīga, the last of which would bring relegation back down to the second tier. They'd return to tier one two seasons later, netting over 100 times again with 2018 promotion.

They would sit in the bottom half of the (usually) ten-team league between 2019 and 2023, In 2024, however, BFC would place 5th and subsequently gained entry into the UEFA Conference League 1QR; due to Valmiera (4th) being disqualified and demoted due to debt problems. The club made their European bow in July 2025 versus Vllaznia of Albania, who'd advance 4-3 on aggregate; BFC did win the away leg, though. In the save, they've reached that stage of the UECL three times; losing each tie. Since 2034 in the league, BFC have placed 5th, 4th and 5th.

BFC play their football in real life at Celtnieks Stadium, though in-game they are temporarily playing at the Salaspils Stadium; which has a capacity of 648. In 2034 they played at Esplanāde, prior to switching to the Preiļu stadions in 2036. A month before Correa's arrival, BFC moved to the Salaspils. A nomadic existence, evidently. The only honour to their name is the second tier, which they won 2013 and 2018.

Diego Correa joins in December 2036 on a one-year contract until December 2037, meaning he will have a full pre-season to get the team ready for the Virslīga.

Valerijs Lizunovs is - per the coaches - the best player in the squad.

BFC did just place 5th in 2036. Six points off the final UEFA Conference League spot and three points ahead of Auda (6th). RFS and Riga are the big clubs in Latvia, they placed 30-36 points ahead so no title race will be coming BFC's way any time soon. Relegation was 32-33pts away though, so it ought to be a somewhat stable first job in Latvia for the Argentine manager. It's up to him to prove that to be the case, anyway.

Upon arriving, Diego Correa was allowed to immediately start his National B License coaching course; something the Europa board starved the Argentine of on many occasions.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: Pre-Season.

The Save So Far:

051: Latvian beginnings.

Diego Correa starts the sixth job of his managerial career. Here's how the pre-season period went at Virslīga side BFC Daugavpils ahead of their 2037 campaign.

Rojs Bušs was Correa's first new signing. He is a 28yo midfielder signed for £40k from Valmiera, who has 11 caps + 1 goal for the Latvian national team. He'll go straight into the team.

David Jerez was the second and, as of now, last new player. He is a 29yo Spanish right-back who joins on a free, having most recently played a season in Gibraltar with Magpies in 2035-36.

The players returned to training surprisingly late on 23 February 2037, so only two friendlies needed to be scheduled by Mr. Correa; who has always liked to play one a week in the build-up to the competitive starter, if you hadn't noticed already. Nevėžis were the first opponent, who requested a friendly to honour Rokas Župerka with a testimonial. The Lithuanian top-flight strugglers would hold BFC Daugavpils to a 1-1 draw, as Ignas Stankevičius equalised Valerijs Lizunovs opener.

Then came Jelgava, who were relegated from the Virslīga last season. Artem Marchuk sent BFC Daugavpils to victory in minute 44.

The Virslīga begins next. It'll be a busy introduction to Latvian football for Diego Correa, as his team will play every league opponent before the end of April. Metta away is the first game on 4 March.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: March + April.

The Save So Far:

052: A good start wanted.

The 2037 campaign over in Latvia is about to begin, as Diego Correa aims to start life as BFC Daugavpils boss positively. Let's take a look at how his first two months went.

It was to be a defeat on debut, as expected strugglers Metta clinched a priceless 2-1 win. David Arize and Emils Evelons got their goals, Valerijs Lizunovs had made it 1-1 on 47 minutes but BFC were only tied for a matter of four minutes.

Correa's second match in charge was against Valmiera, who finished fifth in 2036. The match-up ended 1-1 at the Salaspils Stadium, with Tayrell Wouter cancelling out Miroslav Bartos' 38th minute penalty for BFC.

Ralfs Kragliks joined the team - via DoF Viktors Bujanovs - soon after, a 33yo attacking midfielder who was with Auda last year. He initially served as squad depth, though a change in formation towards the end of these months did offer Kragliks a way in as AM; albeit only featuring once thus far, in the later April finale.

Diego Correa belatedly got his first BFC Daugavpils victory on 14 March, in style too as they thrashed newly-promoted Ogre United 5-1 with striker Valerijs Lizunovs sensationally scoring all five.

An anticipated loss at home to reigning Virslīga champions RFS followed, though BFC did put in a fantastic first half performance and should've went in ahead. They didn't and as such suffered defeat as RFS turned up in the second half, with Tidiane Mané netting a brace.

A goal from centre-back Diawara Bakary gave BFC Daugavpils a win against likely positional rivals Auda next time out.

It became back-to-back wins to open April, with Valerijs Lizunovs and Miroslav Bartos getting on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win versus promoted Riga Mariners.

BFC Daugavpils would score five in one match for the second time in 2037 on 8 April as Tukums were battered. Valerijs Lizunovs scored twice, with Miroslav Bartos, David Jerez and Maksims Toņiševs also converting past the FKT team.

The three-game winning streak ended in BFC's next fixture, but a point was still secured against Liepāja; who will likely challenge Correa's side positionally. Valerijs Lizunovs found the back of the net again, equalising after Arwin Javad had put the hosts in front.

Riga were BFC Daugavpils' next opposition, they are the other big club in the division alongside RFS; they've ‘shared’ the title across the last four campaigns. Ousmane Camara got Riga the points here, but it was another good display from BFC versus tough oppo.

Diego Correa then completed his National B License coaching course, with the BFC board immediately allowing him to begin the succeeding A course. It's nice for the Argentine to be supported in this way, it was the only negative from his time at Europa - who constantly rejected his coaching course requests.

After two without a win, BFC Daugavpils got back on the right track by beating Valmiera 2-1 away from home. Artem Marchuk and Mārtiņš Romanovs exchanged goals midway through the first half, before Valerijs Lizunovs claimed the winner on 65mins.

Lizunovs (33yo) looks to be another great striker at the hands of Diego Correa, who has already formed many fruitful relationships with forwards in his managerial career; Carlos Camacho (Xerez Deportivo), Pascasio Bonoha (CE Europa), Ander Sesma (Andorra) and, most notably, the great Amoros Nshimirimana (Europa FC).

April ended with the same event that March had started with: a disappointing result with Metta. It was an improvement on that opening day loss, though BFC still dropped points to a Metta team that currently sits third bottom. 0-0 it was.

Can't argue with that. BFC Daugavpils sit 5th after 11 matches, which is about where they are expected to be come the end of the season; which is still 25 games away, fwiw.

Note: The European places on the standings are, as far as I can tell, bugged. There are not six European places available, it's 1st = UCL and 2nd/3rd/4th = UCL - possibly/probably cup winner dependant for 4th. It wasn't bugged before my manager joined BFC, but has since gone that way (even on past seasons) for some reason. Just a visual bug (I hope), so no biggie.

May and June continue to be busy, especially the former month which sees a relentless seven fixtures scheduled.

Lastly, Valerijs Lizunovs won the league's Player of the Month award after 5 goals, 1 assist in 6 matches. Well deserved! Diego Correa, meanwhile, placed third in the Manager of the Month accolade, behind the Riga and RFS bosses.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: May + June.

The Save So Far:

053: Getting past the midway point.

Diego Correa has had a busy start to life at BFC Daugavpils, despite only having Virslīga action to deal with. After 11 matches across his first two months in charge, the Argentine would have 12 further matches to take part in across May and June 2037. Here's a round-up of that period.

Valerijs Lizunovs carried on his excellent goalscoring form on 5 May, as he hit a first half hat-trick at home to Ogre United; who did almost force a comeback, though goals from Einārs Sidrevics and Mamadou Sylla weren't quite enough for the relegation fighters.

RFS would beat BFC 2-0 on the subsequent weekend. The losers would play well, though Rūdolfs Gorkšs and Andrei Sprinsean made sure the favourites got the win.

Another defeat followed for Diego Correa's bunch, this time it was a disappointing one as European spot rivals Auda won 1-0 thanks to Edijs Romanovs.

The taste of victory returned for BFC Daugavpils on 16 May, as Riga Mariners were defeated after Haralds Silagailis and Diawara Bakary strikes.

There should've been another win forthcoming, though BFC were held by bottom half Tukums; who netted an 87th-minute leveller with their only shot on target. An own-goal from Savēlijs Boroviks had put Correa's team ahead on 55 minutes.

Liepāja, outsiders for a European place, were dispatched with a 2-1 victory on 24 May. Tresor Samba did actually put the away team in front early, but BFC responded well with goals from Miroslav Bartos and Artjoms Puzirevskis.

A bonus point was taken by BFC Daugavpils around a week later, as they held title-chasing Riga to a 1-1 draw. Haralds Silagailis had given BFC a lead on 42mins, which they kept until minute 72 when Jean-Yves Djegou equalised.

A big win happened in June's opening fixture, as UEFA Conference League-chasing Valmiera were beaten 2-1. Haralds Silagailis netted again, preceding a goal from Diawara Bakary by seven minutes. Rauls Ozoliņš made it a nervy conclusion but BFC held firm.

Metta were belatedly defeated by BFC Daugavpils for the first time this season days later, as Miroslav Bartos struck a double in Riga.

A 3-0 win was secured on 21 June versus Ogre United, with Valerijs Lizunovs ending a technical goal drought (though he had been injured for two weeks at around the start of this month) with a brace; which was followed by Haralds Silagailis' 4th goal of 2037.

RFS won 1-0 against BFC in June's second to last fixture, though it took an 89th-minute goal via Ismaël Diomandé. BFC may not have yet defeated either of the top two this campaign, but they have given them a good test at every opportunity - which is promising!

An important three points was gained over Auda to end June. Miroslav Bartos (who'd win the division's Player of the Month award; Correa came 2nd in MotM) converted on 82mins to send the UECL-chasing hosts away unhappy.

23 league games down, 13 more to go. BFC Daugavpils remain 5th, though are just one point off Auda (3rd) and Valmiera (4th) - having beaten them both in the month just gone. 4th, assuming Riga or RFS win the cup as expected, would be enough for the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. Note: The standings bug I mentioned last time has fixed itself, either via an update (?) or as Latvia runs Jan-Dec it might have confused itself as the ‘normal' Jul-Jun seasons hadn't finished yet.

July and August, unlike these past four months, is actually quite quiet. Just 6 games currently scheduled! The Latvian Cup kickstarts for BFC to open July, as they meet lower league Salaspils - who they, of course, currently groundshare with, amusingly. Of the five Virslīga games, Riga is the only one you'd anticipate problems with. Riga Mariners and Tukums are particularly vital to win in the club's race for Europe.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: July + August.

The Save So Far:

054: Cup glory?

July 2037 sees the start of the Latvian Cup for BFC Daugavpils, as they enter at the fourth round and face a familiar non-top-flight team. Would Diego Correa claim victory in his debut in that competition? Elsewhere, there are five games from the bread and butter to fulfill.

BFC Daugavpils evicted their landlords from the Latvian Cup, as they defeated Salaspils 6-1 in round four. Kristofers Baumanis opened the scoring in minute 5, before Deniss Meļņiks and Haralds Silagailis hit braces before the 53rd minute. Valerijs Lizunovs completed BFC's scoresheet on 80 minutes. Maksims Ivanovs had made it 3-1 for the ‘away’ team. Into the quarters!

The club then moved back into their own (redeveloped) Esplanāde gaff, so that cup match at the Salaspils Stadium turned out to be their final game during the groundsharing agreement. How fitting.

Diego Correa's bow at the club's official home ended in a uninspiring goalless draw with Riga Mariners, in what could turn out be costly dropped points in the UECL race.

Things got worse next time out, as another struggler in Tukums got a win over BFC Daugavpils. Aleksandrs Ulmis with a spot-kick on 74mins. Bad result!

A 1-1 draw with Liepāja is more acceptable, though is still most certainly points lost. Miroslav Bartos had given BFC a lead on 31 minutes, but Marian Pancu found a leveller twenty minutes later.

The Latvian Cup quarter-final draw paired BFC with league leaders Riga, which is the worst possible draw; albeit expected at this stage of the competition. The scoreline flattered Diego Correa's side in truth, as Riga were 2-0 up after 22 minutes and three to the good just after the hour mark; Óscar Soto (2) and Nikita Doronins netted. The Daugavpils club did show some belated fight, bringing the score to 3-2 with Valerijs Lizunovs and Sergejs Ciršs goals late on.

Remarkably, a week later BFC Daugavpils secured a shock 1-0 victory over Riga in the Virslīga, as Lauris Šusts' 18th-minute strike made all the difference. Some win, that.

Another coaching course was completed soon after, as the Argentine subsequently hit the course again as he now aims for the Continental C License.

August 2037 concluded with a damaging defeat at Valmiera, who won 2-1 thanks to a Jonathan Veiga double. Lauris Šusts' opener ended up meaning nowt for BFC.

A new contract did then come Diego Correa's way though, as the 51yo boss pens fresh terms until November 2038.

With 8 fixtures remaining, BFC Daugavpils are more than likely only in a race for fourth spot with Auda; given two points separate them two, with third place Valmiera close to disappearing into the distance. 4th, as far as I can tell, will bring UECL qualifiers as long as someone in the top three wins the Latvian Cup. At the semi-final stage of the cup, the top three make up three of the four clubs left; the other being second tier Grobiņa.

BFC have to play everyone else in the league - except Valmiera - once more. Fingers are crossed for the Conference League.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: September + October + November.

The Save So Far:

055: Aiming for Europe.

Diego Correa and BFC Daugavpils went into their final eight Virslīga fixtures knowing that finishing 4th would likely equal a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. They headed into September, October and November sitting 5th, so would have to overcome a two-point deficit to current fourth placers Auda. Could they do it?

September began with a milestone, as Diego Correa reached 300 games in management. He marked this with a 4-1 success at home to Metta, who actually took a one-nil lead on 6 minutes via Emils Evelons. BFC recovered supremely as they went on to net twice in each half, firstly through Diawara Bakary and Valerijs Lizunovs then secondly via Lizunovs again and Miroslav Bartos (penalty).

Valerijs Lizunovs hit an important double versus Ogre United on 13 September in a 2-1 win. Seidu Darkwah had got the strugglers level for eight minutes on 57mins.

A 4-1 loss came at the hands of title challengers RFS. Sergejs Ciršs got a 66th-minute consolation for BFC, who were four down after 55 minutes due to conversions from Ilyes Bentafat (2), Tidiane Mané and Juan Manuel Prados.

Oh my. Then followed a massive meeting with the fellow 4th place hunters Auda, who absolutely smacked Diego Correa's team around to claim an eye-catching 5-1 victory. Amar Haïdara hit a hat-trick, alongside goals for Mélèye Diagne and Eduards Dašķevičs. An own-goal from Niks Sliede for 3-1 was barely acknowledged by BFC. Awful!

BFC Daugavpils would at least get back on the horse a week later, as they beat Riga Mariners 1-0 with a goal from Sergejs Ciršs.

Tukums, who defeated BFC in their last match-up in July, were simply got past on 25 October, with Sergejs Ciršs netting again as Valerijs Lizunovs got a double.

On the penultimate day, BFC Daugavpils thrashed mid-table Liepāja 3-0 as Valerijs Lizunovs popped up with a four-minute treble at around the 30 minute mark.

Despite that battering to Auda, BFC somehow found themselves ahead of them in 4th ahead of the season finale; with a one-point gap to boot. The Latvian Cup was won by RFS (vs. Riga) so that confirmed that 4th would get a spot in UEFA Conference League qualifying. On the last day, BFC would face a tough trip to table toppers Riga (who still had the title to fight for), though Auda had a tricky visit as well as they went to third place Valmiera.

It was to be a drama-filled final matchday.

Markuss Avdejevs, Jean-Yves Djegou and Nikita Doronins got Riga a comfortable 3-0 triumph at the Skonto Stadium, meaning they were crowned Virslīga champions!

So BFC would need a big favour from Valmiera, though a draw would get Auda in front of Diego Correa's team and into Europe.

Paldies, Valmiera! Artjoms Ulmis makes himself a favourite in Daugavpils as his late-ish goal leads Valmiera past Auda, which means BFC have qualified for the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round. You love to see it.

Riga are champions, they'll go into the UCL. RFS, Valmiera and BFC Daugavpils are into the UECL. Ogre United beat Jelgava in the relegation play-offs, so only bottom club Riga Mariners are relegated.

Valerijs Lizunovs won the league's Golden Boot award, finishing two goals ahead of Auda's Amar Haïdara. Diego Correa, meanwhile, placed as runner-up in the Manager of the Season award - a sign of how well the Argentine has done in his first season with the Latvians.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: Pre-Season.

The Save So Far:

056: Setting up for 2038.

After a first season in charge, Diego Correa gets BFC Daugavpils ready for a 2038 campaign that will see the Argentine lead the club into Europe for the first time; having secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers (starts in July) on the final day of last season.

Right at the end of 2037, Mr. Correa secured yet another coaching badge. He has the Continental C License under his belt now, with studies already underway to claim the Continental B License. The Latvians are certainly backing their manager, which - in terms of coaching courses - literally hasn't been the case throughout his managerial career.

The early pre-pre-season board expectations are as seen above. They would like a mid-table league finish, a quarter-final Latvian Cup appearance and to “be competitive” in the Conference League. All of which is doable, most certainly.

Also in the screenshot, you can see £625k was set aside for transfers and £17.25k (roughly £6k currently being spent) for wages. BFC Daugavpils are evidently in a healthy position financially, though Correa isn't one to splash the cash. As mentioned before, the Argentine tends to respect any club's existing wage structure; which is around £300 p/w, bar a few outliers (e.g. star striker Valerijs Lizunovs on £850). So that ££ won't be used up, unless an utterly special player appears in the crosshairs.

On the subject of transfers, here's how the window has gone thus far for BFC.

Leonardo Medina was secured midway through last season, as the 23yo Venezuelan right winger/striker penned pre-contract terms from Valmiera. He looks a player, though will start life in Daugavpils on the bench due to the form of Lizunovs up top and the lack of RW spot available; RM is currently being utilised by Correa.

Another pre-contract agreement during last campaign was signed with Latvian attacking midfielder Hussaini Ibrahim. He'll also be a bench player to start, given 20yo Miroslav Bartos' high performance (9 goals, 12 assists) in 2037.

Andrejs Osipovs was next to arrive. He is a 27yo Latvian centre-back, who has spent the last twelve seasons at reigning Virslīga champs Riga; though was seemingly taking up a Paul McShane/Tom Huddlestone sorta role as he largely featured for their reserves; he hasn't played regularly in the top division since 2033! He'll be third-choice.

Due to departures, further striker depth was needed - that's where Jurijs Kozlovs comes in. He is an 18yo Latvian who got 4 goals and 3 assists for Liepāja last season.

Viktors Kokins became the (as of typing) final off-season signing, the 20yo left-back joins on loan from Valmiera to add depth; though could easily displace Maksims Toņiševs, especially as the latter is currently injured and will miss the early league fixtures.

On the pitch, seven matches awaited BFC Daugavpils. A strong Lithuanian vibe was on the menu.

The B team was met to kickstart pre-season, as BFC's first-team ran out 4-1 winners. Valerijs Lizunovs and Lauris Šusts struck either side of a Miroslav Bartos double.

Dainava - who offered Diego Correa two interviews before he headed off to Daugavpils in 2036 - visited from Lithuania in game two and would return to their homeland with a 2-0 loss, following goals from Maksym Lukashevych (own-goal) and Hussaini Ibrahim.

Another A Lyga team came to Esplanāde to conclude January 2038's action, as the first of two friendly encounters with Riteriai ended in a 2-0 victory; Miroslav Bartos and Valerijs Lizunovs scored.

Šiauliai made for a third oppo from Lithuania, as this time it was Diego Correa's team doing the travelling. Valerijs Lizunovs clinched a 1-0 success at Savivaldybė Stadium.

Nevėžis - yep, you guessed it, of Lithuania - were played for the second consecutive pre-season. The Kėdainiai outfit got a 1-1 draw in 2037, but in 2038 it was to be a two-goal win for BFC Daugavpils. Lauris Šusts and Valerijs Lizunovs, of course, with the conversions.

Having met in Daugavpils on 30 January, BFC and Riteriai met again in Vilnius on 20 February. On this occasion, a goalless draw was played out so BFC's five-match win streak concluded. It formed as a testimonial for FKR's 30yo 'keeper Kajus Andraikėnas.

Pre-season finished with a 1-0 win over Riga Mariners - the team relegated from the top-flight in 2037. New signing Leonardo Medina got his first goal for the club in this one.

A very solid pre-season. Let's see if Correa's boys can bring that form into the competitive stuff.

As usual in Latvia, the opening months bring a whole load of fixtures. 5 games in March, 7 following on in April. A tough start to the new season it will be, as BFC face both RFS and Riga - the top two in 2037 - across their opening fixtures; Valmiera are to come on matchday four as well, so it'll be a tricky beginning for sure.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: March + April.

The Save So Far:

057: Tricky beginnings.

Diego Correa starts his second full campaign in charge of Latvian Virslīga side BFC Daugavpils. It looked to be a tough start as they would open their season with back-to-back matches against 2037's top two, Riga and RFS. Let's see if that proved to be the case.

On the opening day, a very credible goalless draw has secured at home to 2037 runners-up RFS. Nothing more to note, but a better beginning than anticipated for BFC.

Riga would defeat Diego Correa's team in game two, though BFC put up a stern test as it took the title holders a 90th-minute goal to clinch victory. Valerijs Lizunovs had equalised Markuss Avdejevs' opener, but Raimonds Krollis popped up late to give the points to the champs.

On 13 March 2038, BFC Daugavpils got their first win of the campaign as newly-promoted Super Nova were easily beaten 4-2. It was a scoreline that highly flattered the visitors, given the hosts had 30 shots and practically half of which were on target; it should've been a heavier hammering. Artūrs Regža and Dāvis Stuglis got clinical goals for Super Nova, though BFC came out victorious via Miroslav Bartos and a hat-trick from star attacker Valerijs Lizunovs.

One final new signing came in after that Super Nova match. The director of football, Viktors Bujanovs, worked on a deal for Rihards Ozoliņš, who is a 36yo defensive midfielder who played recent seasons at RFS. A good pick-up.

Matchday 4 saw a nice triumph over likely Europe challengers Valmiera. Miroslav Bartos and Artem Marchuk got goals, the latter on 88 minutes after Sidney Osei had levelled the scoreline for the eventual losers.

Tukums were dispatched 4-0 a few days later. Valerijs Lizunovs struck an early brace, preceding yet another goal for impressive 20yo Slovak attacking midfielder Miroslav Bartos. Andrejs Osipovs, a new arrival in the off-season, got his first BFC goal in minute 80.

Auda, the other team that will likely challenge BFC and Valmiera for a UEFA Conference League spot, were met to open April 2038. Diego Correa would lead his team to a priceless one-goal road victory, as Miroslav Bartos netted for the fourth consecutive match.

Two goals inside nine minutes from Lauris Šusts sent BFC Daugavpils on the way to three points versus Ogre United on 7 April. Matiss Caune would get one back for Ogre in the 57th minute, though the final result was never in any real danger.

BFC made it six straight wins on the subsequent weekend, as Metta suffered a 1-0 loss thanks to a first half spot-kick from Miroslav Bartos.

Liepāja ended that successful streak in the next game week, as Marian Pancu's terrific free-kick in minute 16 cancelled out Andrejs Osipovs early go-ahead goal for BFC.

Then came the start of a somewhat ridiculous run of fixtures for BFC, who would play Riga back-to-back before taking on RFS successively. What did Correa & Co. do to hurt the fixture computer?! This first encounter with Riga concluded in a 3-1 defeat. Jean-Yves Djegou, Aliou Mendy and Raimonds Krollis showed the home team's class, though Valerijs Lizunovs did manage to pull one back in the second half; albeit to no avail.

In the instant rematch, BFC Daugavpils claimed a fantastic 1-0 triumph over Riga. Miroslav Bartos, easily the star man of BFC's season so far, with the winner on 70mins. That's two wins in two seasons for Correa over Riga, which is impressive given that club and RFS' dominance of Latvian footy.

Up next was RFS, who Diego Correa hasn't defeated yet; mind you, BFC as a team haven't beat RFS since 2035. Tidiane Mané got a brace, just like he did back in March 2037.

That has been an excellent start to 2038, with the only dropped points coming against the big two; bar that draw with Liepāja. It puts BFC 3rd after 12 matches, though Valmiera in 4th do have two games in hand as they sit adrift by three points. The Daugavpils club do now only have three more fixtures to play that involve Riga or RFS due to the aforementioned repetitive fixture scheduling, which is a big plus given there are still 24 games remaining. The objective is, as always, European football.

RFS at home is to start the upcoming May/July (no June games, presumably due to the FIFA World Cup) period, which will also include the yet-to-be-drawn UEFA Conference League first qualifying round match-ups. After RFS, it's an extremely busy schedule (9 games in May!) but one that has every other fixture filed under ‘winnable’.

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Just wanted to put on record my thanks to @HockeyBhoy, @bigmattb28 and @FMStrawzy for selecting this as November 2025's Story of the Month. It's highly appreciated!🫡

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Thanks for reading! Next Update: May + July.

The Save So Far:

058: Into Europe!

After a strong start to the 2038 season, Diego Correa and BFC Daugavpils head into May and July's plethora of action with plenty of confidence. At least 13 matches were up on the schedule as they took on opponents across the Virslīga, the Latvian Cup and the UEFA Conference League.

The last of the four-game run against Riga and RFS came to mark May's opening day, as BFC held the league leaders to a 1-1 draw at Esplanāde. Valerijs Lizunovs looked to be sending Correa's team to the three points after a 16th minute goal, though Álex Gallego would equalise for RFS on 75 minutes.

Valerijs Lizunovs scored again three days later, getting on the scoresheet alongside Lauris Šusts as BFC won 2-0 at Super Nova.

After two in two games, Valerijs Lizunovs hit two in one match here as Valmiera were beaten 3-1. Hussaini Ibrahim got the other, in what was a comeback triumph after Valmiera had gone one-nil up early through Edgars Putniņš.

Another win followed against Auda, as You Know Who initiated the scoring before Artem Marchuk also converted.

Valerijs Lizunovs' superb goalscoring form continued in the subsequent midweek as he notched a brace past Ogre United, who cut down the scoreline by one late on through a Deniss Meļņiks own-goal.

It became 8 goals in 8 games for Valerijs Lizunovs next time out, though victory would not be forthcoming as Metta held BFC to a 1-1 tie; David Arize netted for them.

It was to be two winless for the Daugavpils outfit as Liepāja stunned them somewhat with a 1-0 victory, as Karlis Atars got the decider.

BFC got back on the correct footing ahead of the mid-season break, as Valerijs Lizunovs led the team to success at home to Super Nova.

Two cup draws were made in the campaign's interval. BFC would meet Žalgiris of Lithuania in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, while the Latvian Cup fourth round draw saw them paired with Rēzeknes of the Nākotnes Līga.

The 2038 campaign resumed at the beginning of July, as BFC Daugavpils entered into the Latvian Cup fourth round. Rēzeknes of the second tier were the opposition and they would succumb to a 4-0 loss, as a Valerijs Lizunovs treble was paired with a Miroslav Bartos goal. Into the quarter-finals!

The first leg against Žalgiris then took place. Diego Correa's club claimed a fine 1-0 away win in Vilnius, as Valerijs Lizunovs converted yet again.

The same scoreline arrived a week later, as BFC secured their place in the second qualifying round. Viktors Kokins, all the way from left-back, got the second leg winner. It wasn't all good news though, as goalkeeper Mārcis Kazainis picked up a major five-month injury during this match. With iffy back-up in 18yo Gustavs Smirnovs, Mr. Correa would be forced to head off into the transfer market. More on that shortly.

Awaiting in the UECL 2QR? Ukrainian Premier League team Dnipro-1.

Virslīga football returned in mid-July, though it would be two league losses in three for BFC as Auda won 1-0 thanks to a Kārlis Pūriņš strike in minute 63.

With the aforementioned goalkeeping injury, the above players were signed as young Gustavs Smirnovs wasn't at all ready; though he would have to feature in the next round of Euro qualifying due to registration deadlines (and in that loss at Auda). 34yo Ņikita Parfjonovs was first in on loan from Liepāja, he'll be back-up and eventually third choice. The new starter will be Kadir Çiftçi, a 20yo Australian joining from Canberra United's youth ranks. He looks excellent.

There is further to this GK situation, as Mārcis Kazainis had earlier in the season already stated his desire to leave on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract at the end of November. So ‘keeper incomings were going to be needed, admittedly Correa would’ve preferred to have dealt with it post-season rather than mid-season but at least it's sorted out. Fingers crossed our friend from Down Under turns out to be good enough.

In the next round of the UEFA Conference League, Dnipro-1 would win leg one with a 25th minute strike from Stanislav Tarasov. Work to do in leg two!

Before the rematch with the Ukrainians, Ogre United were played in the bread and butter. Lauris Šusts got the game winner in this one.

A signing was then made, as the director of football snapped up 34yo Latvian defensive midfielder Karle Gameni Wassom; who had just been released by Valmiera. He'll serve as squad depth, for now at least.

The second leg with Dnipro-1 was played in Ukraine, so it would appear Mr. Zelenskyy & Co. got that war thing sorted out. Artem Marchuk would make it 1-1 on aggregate on 8 minutes, but sadly by the half-time whistle the tie was all but over after Dnipro goals for Stanislav Tarasov and Valery Gerasimov. There's always next year (hopefully).

A mammoth May and July period is over. It ended with a bit of a whimper with iffy league form and that UECL elimination, though BFC Daugavpils do remain 3rd. It is only a two point gap to Auda in 4th and eight to Valmiera (5th). There are games in hand aplenty though, Valmiera have one on BFC but Diego Correa's side remarkably have four games to catch up on in regards to Auda. It's a little odd how the latter have played 26 times with everyone else between two and five behind, but we move.

August and September is set to be relatively more quiet, though the former month still has six matches scheduled; plus a Latvian Cup quarter-final, which is yet to be drawn.

The guy hasn't actually scored or been too good in five matches now, but I still wanted to give merited props to Valerijs Lizunovs. Great striker! The 34yo Latvian currently sits on 16 goals in 22 matches, having got 25 in 33 in 2037. He is certainly up there with Amoros Nshimirimana (Europa FC) for best player of the save thus far. Keep it up, Lizu!

Thanks for reading! Next Update: August + September.

The Save So Far:

059: League + Cup.

With the UEFA Conference League qualifiers done and dusted, Diego Correa's BFC Daugavpils now have just Latvian domestic play to fight for. Here's how August and September 2038 unfolded in those competitions.

Valerijs Lizunovs ended his scoreless streak in August's starter, as the forward netted a winner away to Metta.

Then came a shocking result for BFC, as bottom side Tukums - who hadn't won all season after 22 games - claimed an unexpected 2-1 victory. Diawara Bakary had put Correa's team ahead on 26 minutes, by within twenty minutes they were losing via Jānis Lazarevs and Aram Baghdasaryan (pen.) goals.

BFC Daugavpils hit back with Latvian Cup quarter-final progression, as a Hussaini Ibrahim double helped them past second division JDFS; who had equalised through Ralfs Kalniņš.

Unfortunately, a return to Virslīga action saw defeat once more and it was probably a costly one as fellow Europe-chasing Valmiera won 2-1. Edgars Putniņš and Mārtiņš Romanovs put them two-nil ahead at the break, after which they actually did go down to ten men as Marko Moroziuk was sent off on 47 minutes. BFC, however, wouldn't fight back, despite a late goal for Valerijs Lizunovs.

Form didn't improve much next time out, as mid-table Liepāja held Diego Correa and his team to a 1-1 draw; Lauris Šusts and Daniels Jakovlevs netted in this one.

BFC got a slither of revenge over Tukums on 21 August 2038, as Hussaini Ibrahim - deputising for the injured Miroslav Bartos decently, though the latter and the out of action 'keeper Mārcis Kazainis are damaging absentees - and Valerijs Lizunovs (2) got themselves on the scoresheet.

Second place Riga got the better of the Daugavpils side to close August, which wasn't a surprise. Aliou Mendy and Óscar Soto popped up with goals.

Despite poor form, the board and supporters are still happy with Diego Correa & Co. As such, a new one-year contract was confirmed at the beginning of September 2038. The club, of their own volition, decided to give the Argentine a £200 payrise, taking his weekly wage to £950 - which, surprisingly, makes him the division's highest paid gaffer, by some distance. Roberts Jaunarajs-Janvaris, oddly, is the next best paid at £675 p/w at Tukums, of all clubs. Valmiera and Metta's bosses earn £600, meanwhile the managers at Riga and RFS earn £420 and £470, respectively. Overpaid?

Speaking of RFS, they won 2-0 in the league at home to BFC on 5 September. Martins Afanasjevs and Francisco Torres scored for the runaway Virslīga leaders.

The Latvian Cup semi-final draw gave BFC a home fixture with Riga, with RFS facing Super Nova in the other semi. Everything pointed to yet another Riga-RFS final and that's exactly what happened (for a third year in a row), as Markuss Avdejevs and Aliou Mendy sent Riga into the final to face their great rivals; who won 2-0 themselves.

Super Nova would be Diego Correa's next opponents. They'd win 2-0 thanks to Kristaps Kokins and Georgijs Bombāns, which made for another awful display from the Argentine's team.

That last matchday saw BFC drop from 3rd to 4th as Valmiera replaced them inside the top three. Valmiera would then visit BFC to clinch a 2-2 draw, despite losing 2-1 heading into stoppage time. Valerijs Lizunovs got a brace for the side from Daugavpils, though VFC levelled twice via Toms Sergejevs and Kristaps Grabovskis. A golden opportunity to regain positive footing was missed.

All of a sudden, BFC Daugavpils find themselves 5th. There are five matches left in the season as the gap to 3rd and 4th is 2pts, so chances are still present to secure European football for 2039. 4th would be good enough for that reward given the top two are in the Latvian Cup final.

BFC have looked rather terrible against every opponent though, so none of their final five will be gimmes. On paper, it's a kind fixture list as only Auda sit inside the top half and the bottom three are all to come. A place in the UECL should really be getting sealed, but after these two months I can't say I'd personally back Mr. Correa and his team. I guess we'll find out.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: October + November.

The Save So Far:

060: The end of 2038.

BFC Daugavpils had five Virslīga fixtures left to salvage a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. Could they achieve that objective?

A 3-0 triumph away to already-relegated Tukums made for a promising start, though it did require own-goals from Roberts Belovs and Savēlijs Boroviks either side of Artem Marchuk's strike.

It was, sadly, one step forward and then two steps back, as UECL competitors Auda dramatically beat BFC in mid-October. Jayen Gerold and Valerijs Lizunovs exchanged early goals for 1-1, which is how it stayed until the fourth minute of second half injury time when Kārlis Pūriņš stuck a dagger in Daugavpils hearts.

Things went from bad to worse a week later, as relegation-threatened Ogre United claimed a massive three points at the expense of Diego Correa's side. Jānis Gucs with the goal that would end up being crucial in Ogre's fight against the dropzone's play-offs.

On the penultimate day, a 45th-minute goal from Andrejs Osipovs was enough to give BFC a win versus Metta. This meant they still had a chance of UECL heading into the last day, albeit one that required help from elsewhere.

Auda vs. Valmiera, Liepāja vs. BFC Daugavpils. That was what awaited on the final day. Auda had already secured their place in Europe in 3rd and Liepāja were out of the race in 6th, so it was a shoot-out of sorts between Valmiera and BFC for the fourth and final European spot. Due to tiebreakers going against Correa, his team needed a win for both them and Auda. Would those outcomes occur?

Not quite! Unlike in 2037 when BFC did secure Conference League qualifying on the last matchday via help from elsewhere, a year later it would go the other way as they missed out on the continent's third tier competition. Valerijs Lizunovs did take his season's tally to 24 goals to get the win at Daugava Stadium, but over at the Skonto Stadium it was to be a goalless draw between Auda and Valmiera. Frustrating!

So, there'll be no European adventure to come in July 2039. Diego Correa and his club only have themselves to blame, the entire back end of the 2038 campaign was too damaging - it's somewhat miraculous that the battle even lasted until the final day. Even so, all BFC had to do was draw against struggling Ogre United and that would've been enough. To miss out on goal difference is rather painful too. Oh well! Time to move on and go again next season.

RFS are champions, they even went the entire season invincible - very impressive! They placed 11 points ahead of Riga, who will be disappointed but they did at least win the Latvian Cup final over RFS. Down the bottom, Tukums went down with just one win (guess who that was against…) but Metta survived the relegation play-offs vs. Skanstes.

Mr. Correa did come third in the Manager of the Season award, which I guess does add some level-headedness in that BFC are still successfully batting above expectations (i.e. mid-table).

Thanks for reading! Next Update: Pre-Season.

The Save So Far:

You deserve it pal, your stories are always a good catch up

Cheers! I am really enjoying this save so far.

I'm not even overly enamoured by FM26, though the proof is in the pudding because I'm playing it a lot (even after a week or so break, on past FMs those weeks would have turned into months with no return) so that's obviously a good sign. Also looking at my past Susie stories, I've posted about this one the most out of all of my saves - bar “Earth Trip” on FM20. I do feel like that ‘this is fine’ dog meme as I've seen others on social media losing their minds about FM26.😂

061: Season 3 with BFC.

Diego Correa has his life firmly settled in Latvia now, as he takes his BFC Daugavpils team into a third season in charge. 2038 ended in disappointing fashion as the club failed to gain a spot in Europe, so 2039 will all be about taking that extra leap forward. Here's how the pre-season period went ahead of the aforementioned campaign.

Quite a few departures occurred, none overly damaging but a few notable retirees (full-back Maksims Toņiševs, midfielder Deniss Meļņiks) caused holes in the squad. One spot in the team, regardless of outgoings, that Correa wanted to improve was centre-back, as the Argentine aimed for a new partner for Diawara Bakary; as Andrejs Osipovs drops to the bench. After a deep search for a new arrival, which was hindered by various targets wanting too much money (around £1k+ p/w, which Correa refuses to sanction), a Frenchman was selected to come in. 28yo Joseba García joins, having been a free agent since leaving National 3 (tier five) side Colomiers in June 2038.

Viktors Kokins and Ņikita Parfjonovs were on loan in 2038 and have subsequently signed permanent deals. The Kokins deal was highly notable due to the finances involved, his wages were no issue whatsoever (£180 p/w for a starter is great business) but the fee it took to secure him £99k (over £120k including add-ons). That's the first time Diego Correa has paid a (relatively) sizeable transfer fee in his managerial career. Kokins was the best option available, so the BFC boss bit the financial bullet. Parfjonovs, meanwhile, signs on a free and has actually ended pre-season as first-choice; former no.1 Kadir Çiftçi hasn't quite hit the ground running, so will take time out of the side.

More cash was spent by Mr. Correa, though a more modest £12k fee was paid to Auda for Ceti Junior Tchibinda - a 33yo midfielder from the Republic of Congo who replaces the retiring Deniss Meļņiks in the starting eleven.

Artjoms Gudermanis (free from Liepāja) was also picked up, the 20yo Latvian will serve as third-choice (fighting for that place with Andrejs Osipovs, anyway) centre-back behind Diawara Bakary and Joseba García.

Two more signings were secured. Director of football Viktors Bujanovs signed Froði Danielsen, a 24yo Faroese from Riga's reserves who will replace Karle Gameni Wassom (his loan was not renewed) as defensive midfield depth. Adam Id Baih was the other newcomer, he will slot straight into the line-up at left-back because the aforementioned Viktors Kokins picked up a serious injury that'll keep him out until around April. The 31yo Frenchman comes on loan from National 2's Boulogne.

A notable off-season exit was Alekss Sokolovs, a highly-rated 18yo who came through the club's academy.

Correa promoted the Latvian into the first-team fold this time last season and even started the player early on, though Sokolovs didn't really play well so was rather quickly dropped in favour of more experienced teammates. He didn't take that very well, especially as (at the time of his promotion) he had penned a new contract with starts promised due to other clubs circling to sign the youngster. Sokolovs complained throughout 2038, eventually confirming his desire to depart in the off-season. A £49k (not incl. add-ons) was agreed with Auda. Some members of the squad kicked up a fuss to Correa about this departure, though seemingly to no damaging effect.

On the pitch, that's what was ahead across friendly encounters. Like in 2038, a very strong Lithuanian vibe.

Šiauliai - a team the Argentine turned down before coming to Latvia - were the first oppo and they left Esplanāde with a win thanks to Karolis Klimas.

Panevėžys were up next and it technically became Lithuania 2-0 Latvia as the A Lyga's fourth-place team won on penalties. An own-goal from Diawara Bakary and a goal from Miroslav Bartos meant it was 1-1 after 90 minutes before spot-kicks.

Diego Correa had switched to a new tactic ahead of pre-season, so questions were arising due to those previous results. He stuck with the new 4-2-3-1 for exhibition three and it ended up being a 2-0 victory, as goals came from Miroslav Bartos and Artem Marchuk.

It became consecutive triumphs to begin February 2039, as Riteriai (who survived relegation play-offs vs. TransInvest in 2038) were defeated 3-1. Aran Quintana would equalise Lauris Šusts' opener, but Valerijs Lizunovs and Hussaini Ibrahim netted to get BFC the win.

Kauno Žalgiris - another who showed interest in Correa pre-Daugavpils - would hold BFC to a 2-2 draw. The latter were two-nil ahead via Rojs Bušs and Valerijs Lizunovs, though the mid-table Lithuanians would fight back for 2-2 with a brace from Martynas Paulauskas.

BFC Daugavpils were originally scheduled to face A Lyga champions Žalgiris on 19 February, though those from down south cancelled at late notice so Latvian minnows Preiļu were met instead. Dmitrijs Freimanis would convert a second half double, but BFC were already 5-0 up at the interval as Artem Marchuk hit a hat-trick alongside Valerijs Lizunovs' brace.

The final pre-season match came against Tukums, who were relegated from the Virslīga last campaign. It was to be another 5-2 scoreline, though - in the opposite of Kauno Žalgiris (A) - it was Correa's team who had to come from two goals down; Deniss Šmitiņš and Rostand Njiki had netted for Tukums. The comeback came via Artem Marchuk (2), Miroslav Bartos (2) and Leonardo Medina.

An iffy start to pre-season, though by the end more promise was felt.

Newly-promoted Riga Mariners will be the first league opponents for BFC, who then face RFS, Liepāja, Auda and Riga - first game aside, that's a tough start! Interestingly, the bookies are predicting Liepāja to overtake BFC inside the top five this season - at a time where the BFC board have actually elevated their expectations from ‘mid-table’ to ‘top half’. Curious to see how that turns out.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: March + April.

The Save So Far:

062: Where'd that come from?

The 2039 season has arrived for BFC Daugavpils and their Argentine boss Diego Correa. Let's take a look at how the Latvians fared across March and April.

A good start! BFC took care of Riga Mariners as they won 3-1 at the Mežaparks Sports Village, though the promoted team did take an unexpected one-nil lead on 14 minutes through Sadiq Saleh. The visitors would recover with goals from Valerijs Lizunovs, Artem Marchuk and Miroslav Bartos.

I've seen better follow-ups! RFS, invincible champions last year, whacked BFC 5-1 in game two of the season. Nikita Doronins and Deniss Timofejevs hit braces, converting either side of a goal for Ntji Tounkara. Artem Marchuk struck a consolation for Correa's team at 4-0.

Liepāja condemned BFC to a second straight defeat, albeit in a match that was flipped on its head by Lauris Šusts' red card on 69 minutes. The Daugavpils club were dominant until that point, but within five minutes of it Daniels Jakovlevs grabbed what turned out to be the winner.

A third successive loss followed. I did mention last time that it was a tricky start to the campaign for BFC and it has proved as such. Auda won 1-0 with a first half strike from Vladislavs Regža.

2038 runners-up Riga were up next. They unsurprisingly clinched a victory, coming out triumphant after Ričards Spasjonņikovs and Jean-Yves Djegou conversions.

BFC plugged the losing streak on Aprīļa Joki, though it should've been much better as they threw away a two-goal lead against Metta. Ceti Junior Tchibinda and Joseba García got their respective first goals for the team for 2-0, but a Seidu Darkwah double meant this encounter would end drawn.

Another point came BFC's way on Matchday 7. Artem Marchuk put them ahead on 40mins, with Toms Sergejevs equalising for Valmiera just before the hour mark.

From losing consecutively, to drawing consecutively - this one the most disappointing. Ogre United, a team expected to fight relegation, held Diego Correa's outfit to a 1-1 tie. Ceti Junior Tchibinda did net again, though it only served as a leveller to Olivers Kalniņš' opener.

Winning ways finally returned on 15 April 2039, though BFC did make hard work of it after going 1-0 down to (the admittedly slightly over-performing) Super Nova's Kristaps Kokins. Thankfully, Valerijs Lizunovs and Lauris Šusts got the team from Daugavpils back on the straight and narrow.

Unfortunately for BFC, they had reigning champs RFS next so a victory streak was never exactly likely. Nikita Doronins, Santiago Pose and Álex Gallego got on the scoresheet.

A frustrating 1-1 draw with Riga Mariners ended this period of time, which is a result that perfectly sums up this entire two months. Lauris Šusts scored four minutes after ex-BFC player Martins Kļava had made it 0-1.

Would you look at that! Horrid form, I'm not entirely sure where it has come from. Safe to say, the (certainly needed) tactical changes haven't paid dividends.

BFC Daugavpils find themselves in an unusually low 7th, just three points above the drop after 11 games. If they can get their act together, the top five is only two pts away.

7 matches to come in May, with 5 following across June. An improvement must be forthcoming.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: May + June.

The Save So Far:

063: A blip or something serious?

BFC Daugavpils - managed by their Argentine boss Diego Correa - started the 2039 campaign in unusually terrible form, with five defeats from their opening eleven fixtures. This coincided with the board setting marginally higher expectations for this season, so such a struggle wasn't going to be acceptable. Could they turn it around?

May began with defeat at home to Liepāja. Rihards Kramēns and Samu Fernández got their goals in a 2-1 win, debutant Froði Danielsen would score in stoppage time for BFC but it was yet another loss for the hosts.

Auda did likewise, as Hamidou Kante's second-minute spot-kick was enough to separate them and BFC.

Funnily enough, the losing streak ended against one of the division's best teams in Riga. Esplanāde would see a goalleess draw here.

Things got better as BFC followed that up with a victory over Metta, as Leonardo Medina - seconds after coming off the bench - netted the winner on 68 minutes.

It was almost three games unbeaten, though Valmiera snatched the three points away from the Daugavpils club with a 90+3 winner from Jonathan Veiga.

Another loss arrived next, as bottom side Ogre United won 2-0 with strikes from Ernests Lācis and Kristaps Ozols (penalty). If that's not a sign of where BFC are currently at, I don't know what is.

Three defeats on the bounce it would be, as Super Nova eased to a 3-1 triumph. Kristaps Kokins hit a brace alongside one from Georgijs Bombāns. Left-back Kristofers Baumanis would score for the first time since July 2037 for 2-1, but clearly no comeback was initiated by the eventual losers.

To little surprise, the board called an urgent meeting to discuss Mr. Correa's future; that's despite considering themselves as “pleased”, though it would appear that the supporters being “very disappointed” was too much to ignore. The Argentine convinced chairperson Ralfs Ostrovskis to give him a month to improve fortunes.

The first match of the probation period was at home to league leaders RFS, who won 3-1 via Tidiane Mané, Álex Gallego and Martins Afanasjevs; Artem Marchuk's goal at 2-1 had little effect.

With BFC sitting in the bottom three, a match with basement boys Riga Mariners was evidently massive. Thankfully, Correa got his team firing as they won 3-1, but it did take a late fightback having sat at a goal down at the hour mark. The points were claimed with final twenty minute strikes from Pavels Belovs (a first goal under DC for the youth product), Artem Marchuk and Diawara Bakary (penalty; the second of the game following Aleksandrs Ulmis' opener).

Liepāja would put BFC Daugavpils back in their place next time out, though it was a fairly even encounter that they won after Daniels Jakovlevs' 64th-minute conversion.

A goal from Lauris Šusts, however, would give BFC a rare win to mark June 2039's penultimate fixture.

That run of 2 wins and 2 losses was enough to satisfy the board and supporters, who both deemed themselves as “satisfied”. Things will have to improve though, otherwise they'll no doubt be another board meeting - if Correa is lucky enough to avoid the sack directly - soon.

This period of time ended with an expected 2-0 defeat at Riga, with Óscar Soto and Baba Mohammed getting on the scoresheet.

From being a European place challenger, to fighting against the drop. How quickly things can change! They'll need to change again if the Argentine wants to remain in Daugavpils. July and August has six games scheduled, including the return of the Latvian Cup; where BFC will meet fellow strugglers Ogre United in round four.

Thanks for reading! Next Update: July + August.

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