Lemajic reaches 20-Goal milestone with a hat-trick in RFS goal fest

In the second match of the 24th round of the TonyBet Virslīga, reigning champions FC RFS produced a dominant performance at home, defeating FK Tukums 2000 with a resounding 6–2 scoreline. Serbian forward Darko Lemajić stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick, becoming the first player this season to reach the 20-goal mark.

Despite having a Champions League match looming midweek, RFS head coach Viktors Morozs made significant changes to his starting lineup following their 1-4 defeat against Malmö FF. Seven new players were introduced, including Jevgēņijs Nerugals, Roberts Veips, Petr Mareš, Yukiyoshi Karashima, Jeremie Porsan-Clemente, Taylerr Wouter, and Barthelemy Diedhiou. Only four players – Roberts Savaļnieks, Žiga Lipušček, Stefan Panić, and the league top goalscorer Lemajić – retained their spots.

In contrast, FK Tukums 2000 lined up with their strongest available eleven, hoping their attacking trio of Niks Dusalijevs, Bogdans Samoilovs, and the league’s second top scorer Ingars Pūlis could spring a surprise.

Early signs were ominous for Tukums as RFS created a flurry of chances, only to be denied by goalkeeper Raivo Stūriņš or sheer luck. The deadlock was broken in the 26th minute when Diedhiou found Lemajić inside the box, and the Serbian coolly slotted into the near post for his 18th goal of the season.

Tukums responded quickly with a rare counterattack. After a precise cross from Kholod, Samoilovs met the delivery with a diving header to level the score at 1-1.

But the goal rush continued. Just four minutes later, Jeremie Porsan-Clemente launched a looping shot/cross from outside the box that evaded everyone and nestled into the far corner – a mix of brilliance and defensive mishap from the visitors.

Then it was Ingars Pūlis’ turn to shine. The young striker received a ball from Japanese midfielder Toba, took a moment to assess, and unleashed a left-footed strike off the post and into the net – a top-class finish marking his 14th goal of the season.

However, in the dying seconds of the first half, a defensive lapse proved costly. A blocked shot from Wouter ballooned into the air inside the six-yard box, and despite the presence of two defenders, Lemajić found space to win the ball and score his second of the night – giving RFS a 3–2 lead at the break.

Tukums never recovered. Just minutes into the second half, Lemajić completed his hat-trick – his 20th goal of the season. After a Panić pass, Lemajić’s initial shot was parried, but he followed up with a strong header to make it 4–2.

Midway through the second half, Mor Talla Gaye extended the advantage with his trademark left-footed strike from distance, finding the far corner for his 8th goal of the campaign – equaling Jānis Ikaunieks as the club’s second top scorer.

Tukums came close to cutting the deficit with another powerful effort from Pūlis, but his shot narrowly missed the post. A bright moment for the home side came in the 76th minute as Mārtiņš Ķigurs made his long-awaited return to the pitch – his first appearance since November 3, 2024 – after recovering from a lengthy injury layoff.

The final word belonged to Jānis Ikaunieks, who scored his 9th goal of the season in stoppage time, set up by Lemajić. Seconds later, the referee’s final whistle confirmed a 6-2 win for RFS.

With the win, RFS move level on points with league leaders Riga FC, who face FK Metta tomorrow. Tukums remain in 8th place in the standings.

Next up, RFS will travel to Sweden for their Champions League second-leg clash against Malmö FF on Wednesday, while FK Tukums 2000 will host Riga FC next Sunday in another tough league fixture.

FC RFS vs FK Tukums 2000 – 6:2 (3:2)
Goals: Lemajic 26′, 45+1′, 50′, Porsan-Clemente 37′, Talla 54′ J.Ikaunieks 90+1′ | Samoilovs 33′, Pūlis 42′
RFS: Nerugals, Savaļnieks, Veips, Lipušček, Mareš (Zelenkovs 58′), Karashima (Ķigurs 76′), Panic, Porsan-Clemente (Rakic 63′), Wouter (J.Ikaunieks 46′), Diedhiou (Talla 46′), Lemajič
TUK: Stūriņš, Kholod (Rogovs 57′), Mihoubi, Vientiess, Reingolcs, Toba (Volkovs 57′), Anmanis, Dusalijevs (Atligins 78′), Samoilovs (Joksts 66′), Ķiršs (Putrāns 57′), Pūlis

Virslīga Matchday 24 games:

• 26.07.2025 – SK Super Nova vs FK Grobiņa – 0:0
• 26.07.2025 – FC RFS vs FK Tukums 2000 – 6:2
• 27.07.2025 – BFC Daugavpils vs FS Jelgava – 15:00
• 27.07.2025 – FK Liepāja vs FK Auda – 17:00
• 27.07.2025 – Riga FC vs FK Metta – 18:00