RFS and Riga both earn wins, Riga FC could clinch the title next week

The title race in Latvijas Virslīga will go on for at least one more week after RFS came from behind to defeat FK Tukums 2000 4-2 in an entertaining match, delaying Riga FC’s title celebrations. Earlier in the day, Riga had done their part, narrowly beating FK Metta 1-0 away in Sloka, but RFS’s victory kept the champagne on ice.

The drama began just four minutes into the match in Tukums, when home side Tukums 2000 stunned RFS with an early goal. A well-delivered corner found the head of Japanese midfielder Atsushi Kurokawa, who guided the ball past Jevgenijs Nerugals to give Kristaps Dišlers’s team a 1-0 lead – and for a brief moment, Riga FC players began to dream of clinching the title that same evening.

But RFS struck back quickly. From a corner, the familiar combination of Petr Mareš and Jānis Ikaunieks worked once again, with Ikaunieks heading in the equalizer. Moments later, a perfect cross from Strahinja Rakić found Darko Lemajić, whose powerful header gave RFS a 2-1 lead.

The frantic first half wasn’t done yet. Tukums’s star striker Ingars Pūlis, the league’s second-highest goalscorer, produced a trademark finish into the bottom corner to level the match at 2-2 in the 27th minute.

In the second half, substitute Mārtiņš Ķigurs made an instant impact, setting up Cedric Kuadio with a low cross to restore RFS’s advantage. Then, in the closing minutes, a penalty awarded to RFS allowed Lemajić to score his 26th goal of the season, sealing a crucial 4-2 win and keeping their slim title hopes alive. RFS will next host FK Grobiņa on Sunday.

FK Tukums 2000 vs FC RFS – 2:4 (2:2)
Goals: Kurokawa 4′, Pūlis 27′ | Ikaunieks 8′, Lemajic 24′ 90+5′ (Penalty kick), Koaudio 51′

Meanwhile in Jūrmala, Riga FC took care of business against Metta. A first-half penalty from Reginaldo Ramires was enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Because of RFS’s win, Riga will now have the chance to clinch their first league title since 2020 next Friday at Skonto Stadium, when they host Tukums 2000.

As for Metta, the pressure is mounting. The club – which has been in the top flight since 2012 – must earn a positive result against FK Auda next Sunday to keep their hopes of top-tier survival alive for a 15th straight season.

FK Metta vs Riga FC – 0:1 (0:1)
Goals: Ramires 17′ (Penalty kick)

Virslīga Matchday 33:

• 18.10.2025 – FS Jelgava vs BFC Daugavpils – 0:0
• 18.10.2025 – FK Grobiņa vs SK Super Nova – 0:0
• 19.10.2025 – FK Tukums 2000 vs FC RFS – 2:4
• 19.10.2025 – FK Metta vs Riga FC – 0:1
• 20.10.2025 – FK Auda vs FK Liepāja – 18:00