Tulipa after Ararat-Armenia’s win over Riga: “Nothing has been decided yet”

Ararat-Armenia made a successful start to the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign. In the first leg of the first qualifying round, the Armenian club defeated Latvia’s Riga 2-0 at home.

The goals for the Armenian champions were scored by Hugo Oliveira and team debutant Carlos França.

After the match, Ararat-Armenia head coach Manuel Tulipa took part in a press conference and summed up the game. The Armenian club’s coach spoke about the course of the match, Hugo Oliveira’s role in central midfield, Juan Balanta’s injury, the importance of the victory, and the upcoming return leg in Riga.

Manuel Tulipa’s press conference after Ararat-Armenia vs Riga

— The team had a difficult start to the match. What helped you change the pattern of the game and win?

— I have a slightly different opinion: I think we played well in the first half. The main thing was that we were able to play out from the back well and start our attacks. The most difficult part was that we often could not deliver the ball to the forwards with long passes. Riga’s players were superior to us physically, and we often lost duels, so there were difficulties. The most important thing is that against such a strong team as Riga, we played united, as a team. The start of the second half was also difficult because there was heavy rain. But it is good that after the first 5–10 minutes of the second half, we found our best game.

— What can you say about Balanta’s position? Were you able to replace him?

— The team has its own style, and that helps newcomers integrate faster and more easily. Juan Balanta’s absence was noticeable; he is a very important player for us. He is currently injured. I like that the team acts with confidence, so I can use players with different styles in the same position. Hugo Oliveira, who replaced Balanta today, was the best player in the match. He controlled the ball very well and used it well. I also want to note the importance of this victory, considering the strength of our opponent, Riga.

— Will you continue to consider Hugo Oliveira as a central midfielder, or will you use him for rotation at full-back?

— I have known Hugo Oliveira for a very long time. I know all his playing qualities, and I was sure that he would perform very well in this position. It is possible that he will also play in midfield in the future, but there will be strong competition in that position. Oliveira has also played in attack before.

— How do you assess the scoreline? Does it give you an advantage?

— I assure you that this scoreline will not make us relax. The first thing I told the players after the match was: it was a good game, but nothing has been decided yet. There is still the return leg ahead. It will be very difficult in Riga. They have an excellent squad. I watched matches from the Championship and other leagues where Riga’s players previously played, and I know that they are excellent footballers. We must not forget the strength of the opponent and how difficult the away match ahead of us will be.

It is very emotional to represent the whole country in Europe. This is very important, and I am proud of it. I am also proud that Ararat-Armenia is the most Armenian team in the league, with a large number of local players. We truly represent Armenian football. I really like Armenia, and I have adapted very well to this country together with my family.

— Why did you decide to make substitutions so early in the second half?

— Riga are now at their peak and in the middle of the season, so we needed to refresh the game as early as possible. Shaghoyan played well, but at that moment we needed a more direct player. Sandro Lima was substituted because he has only been at the club for 10 days. The players came on to increase the team’s physical capacity and avoid losing out in that aspect to an opponent that is already in rhythm. Our substitutions helped and brought results. Unfortunately, we lost Malis due to injury. Newcomer Bruno Wilson came on instead of him, and he had trained very little with us. It was risky to bring him on, but we took that risk, and he played very well.

— Most of the players in your squad are experienced — 28 to 30 years old. Is it your requirement that the team be built around experienced players?

— For me, a footballer’s age is always just a number. The main thing is the player’s qualities. But on the other hand, the older you are, the more skilled you become, and that also matters. Experience allows players to be better prepared for matches like this. But this does not mean that we will not use young players. It is very important for us that they progress. We have Eloyan, Ayvazyan and other young players. We will do everything to make sure they are ready to play in the starting lineup.

— What can you say about Portugal’s result at the World Cup?

— I previously played in Spain for three years, I know the quality of Spanish football very well, and I really like the way the Spain national team plays. With all due respect to the head coach, I will say that Portugal played very poorly. And the team that deserved it won.

One more important thing: I want to thank the entire Ararat-Armenia club, all the staff, and all the players. They were magnificent today. I also thank the fans.

The return leg between Riga and Ararat-Armenia will take place on July 14 in Riga.