Historic victory for BFC Daugavpils at Skonto Stadium: A triumph over FK Auda

In the 23rd round of the TonyBet Virslīga, BFC Daugavpils secured a historic first-ever victory at Skonto Stadium, defeating FK Auda 3-1 in a clash between two sides recently eliminated from European competitions.

FK Auda’s head coach Jurģis Kalns, following a grueling penalty shootout loss to Larne FC, made six changes to his starting lineup. Meanwhile, Daugavpils’ manager Kirils Kurbatovs responded to a defeat against KF Vllaznia with five alterations to his squad.

The first half was a sluggish affair, likely a hangover from the disappointment of their European exits. Neither side managed to create significant opportunities, with the only real threat coming from Renārs Varslavāns, whose close-range shot was well blocked.

However, the second half offered a dramatic turnaround, waking up the crowd with a flurry of action. Just minutes after the restart, a dangerous cross into the box was punched away by Auda’s goalkeeper Niks Daniels Aleksandrovs. As the loose ball bounced free, Auda’s Mamadou Kane and Daugavpils’ Valērijs Lizunovs went for it. Kane stepped on Lizunovs’ foot and fell, prompting a VAR review which resulted in a penalty. Lizunovs himself converted from the spot, calmly placing the ball into the left corner to put BFC Daugavpils 1-0 ahead.

Ten minutes later, another defensive mishap in Auda’s box led to a second penalty. This time Ibrahim Kone brought down Modou Saidy. Once again, Lizunovs stepped up and slotted the ball home — this time into the opposite corner — doubling Daugavpils’ lead and securing a brace.

Lizunovs continued to torment the Auda defense and came close to completing a hat-trick on multiple occasions. However, it was teammate Boubou Diallo who extended the lead to 3-0. After Lizunovs hit the post, Diallo was first to react and tapped in the rebound, scoring his fifth goal of the season.

Auda pushed for a consolation goal, with Jackson Kenio forcing a fine save from Daugavpils keeper Jānis Beks in stoppage time. But moments later, Beks was beaten by a spectacular acrobatic finish from Abdoul Kader Traore, who scored against his former club to make it 1-3.

This memorable win marks the first time BFC Daugavpils have ever won at the iconic Skonto Stadium. With this victory, they now sit just five points behind the top four in the league standings.

FK Auda vs BFC Daugavpils – 1:3 (0:0)
Goals: Traore 90+5′ | Lizunovs 54′ (11 m), 63′ (11 m), Diallo 81′
AUD: Aleksandrovs, Eduardo, I.Kone, Meļņiks, Erquiaga (Hrvoj 72′) – Kane (Traore 62′), Nguena, Varslavāns, Ogunji, Monteiro (K.Kone 46′), Gerold (Rubenis 46′)
DAU: Beks, Cucurs (Lizunovs 46′), Kudeļkins, Williams (Barkovskis 90′), Murakami, Taty, Ivanovs, Konate (Diallo 63′), Fofana (Miņins 63′), Victor (M.Kone 78′), Saidy

Virslīga Matchday 23 games:

• 19.07.2025 – FK Liepāja vs Riga FC – 2:3
• 19.06.2025 – FK Metta vs FC RFS – 0:4
• 20.07.2025 – FK Auda vs BFC Daugavpils – 1:3
• 20.07.2025 – FS Jelgava vs SK Super Nova – 1:0
• 21.07.2025 – FK Tukums 2000 vs FK Grobiņa – 18:00