In the final match of the 34th round of the Latvian Virslīga, FC RFS gave their veteran goalkeeper Pāvels Šteinbors a perfect farewell by defeating FK Grobiņa 5-0.
Having relinquished their champion’s crown earlier this week, RFS entered their final three matches with little at stake. Yet, this game carried special significance: the club had announced that it would be the final professional appearance for 40-year-old former Latvian national team goalkeeper Pāvels Šteinbors.
Starting his first and last match of the season, Šteinbors played for 39 minutes before being substituted. Both teams then formed an honorary guard to salute the retiring goalkeeper. Over his career, Šteinbors represented Latvia in 31 international matches, was named Latvian Footballer of the Year twice, and collected three Virslīga titles, two Polish Super Cups, and one domestic cup each in Latvia and Poland.
Although Grobiņa appeared to take an early lead in the second minute, Artjoms Puzirevskis’ goal was disallowed for offside. RFS then took control of the game. After a cross from Jānis Ikaunieks, the league’s top scorer Darko Lemajić netted his 24th goal of the season to open the scoring.
Near the end of the first half, RFS doubled their lead following a major blunder by Grobiņa goalkeeper Ņikita Pinčuks, who rushed out but failed to clear the ball properly. Roberts Savaļnieks immediately struck from near midfield into the empty net for 2-0. In stoppage time, defender Roberts Veips extended the advantage to 3-0 after a corner kick scramble.
The second half brought more of the same dominance. Another combination between Ikaunieks and Lemajić resulted in the fourth goal, before Ikaunieks himself completed the rout late in the match with his 17th goal of the season, sealing a 5-0 victory.
Despite the heavy defeat, FK Grobiņa remain eighth in the standings, one point ahead of Super Nova and three points clear of FK Metta. The club still has two home fixtures left – against Riga FC and FK Auda – to close out their season.
FC RFS vs FK Grobiņa – 5:0 (3:0)
Goals: Lemajic 26′ 48′, Savaļnieks 44′, Veips 45+2′, J.Ikaunieks 76′
Virslīga Matchday 34:
- 24.10.2025 – Riga FC vs FK Tukums 2000 – 0:0
- 25.10.2025 – BFC Daugavpils vs SK Super Nova – 2:2
- 25.10.2025 – FK Liepāja vs FS Jelgava – 2:2
- 26.10.2025 – FK Metta vs FK Auda – 3:2
- 26.10.2025 – FC RFS vs FK Grobiņa – 5:0
| # | Club | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Riga FC | 36 | 27 | 7 | 2 | 59 | 88 |
| 2 | FC RFS | 36 | 28 | 3 | 5 | 61 | 87 |
| 3 | FK Liepāja | 36 | 18 | 7 | 11 | 4 | 61 |
| 4 | BFC Daugavpils | 36 | 13 | 9 | 14 | -10 | 48 |
| 5 | FK Auda | 36 | 13 | 6 | 17 | -5 | 45 |
| 6 | FS Jelgava | 36 | 8 | 14 | 14 | -7 | 38 |
| 7 | FK Tukums 2000 | 36 | 9 | 9 | 18 | -24 | 36 |
| 8 | SK Super Nova | 36 | 6 | 14 | 16 | -12 | 32 |
| 9 | FK Grobiņa | 36 | 8 | 8 | 20 | -31 | 32 |
| 10 | FK Metta | 36 | 8 | 7 | 21 | -35 | 31 |
