Riga FC won the Latvian Super Cup for the second time in club history today, defeating Latvian Cup holders FK Auda 4-1 in Antalya, Turkey. Brazilian forward Reginaldo Ramires scored twice in a convincing performance from the Virslīga champions.
The Latvian Super Cup was staged for the fourth time overall and for the third consecutive year. FK Auda featured in the competition for the first time as Latvian Cup winners, while Riga FC qualified as reigning league champions.
Head coach Adrian Gul’a named a starting eleven featuring many familiar faces, with only two new arrivals included from the winter transfer window: Colombian full-back Andres Salazar and Tunisian winger Raki Aouani. FK Auda, under French coach Didier Zanetti, have undergone significant changes in the off-season, though several key figures from last year – including Tin Hrvoj and Eduards Dašķevičs – were in the starting line-up. Among the new additions were goalkeeper Nils Toms Puriņš, formerly of Riga FC, and Barthelemy Diedhiou, who was one of BFC Daugavpils’ leading players in the first half of last season.
Auda began the match strongly. Inside the opening 55 seconds they created two clear chances. First, Krišjānis Zviedris saved a difficult effort from Eduards Dašķevičs, and 30 seconds later Jayen Gerold struck from the edge of the box, again denied by Zviedris. Riga responded minutes later, but Andres Salazar failed to convert from a promising position.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute. After a well-worked move, the ball was played out to the right where Raivis Andris Jurkovskis delivered a cross into the penalty area. Reginaldo Ramires was left unmarked and struck firmly from close range to put Riga FC ahead.
Auda’s difficulties deepened shortly after. Captain Eduards Dašķevičs injured his ankle in a challenge with Anthony Contreras and was unable to continue.
Riga doubled their advantage later in the half. This time the delivery came from the opposite flank, with debutant Andres Salazar providing a precise cross into the area. Ramires met it with a header to score his second goal of the match.
As in the first half, Auda started the second period with intent. However, it was Riga who struck next. Following a long pass from Antonijs Černomordijs, Anthony Contreras controlled the ball, rounded the goalkeeper and finished to make it 3-0.
Both sides added a goal late on. Jayen Gerold pulled one back for Auda, while Riga completed the scoring through a combination of two newcomers. Raki Aouani set up substitute Mohamed Badamosi, with the Gambian striker scoring his first official goal for the club.
Riga FC become the first club to lift the Latvian Super Cup twice. Both teams will now conclude their training camps in Turkey before returning to Latvia to complete preparations for the new Virslīga season. Riga begin their campaign on 7 March away to FK Liepāja, while FK Auda host SK Super Nova a day later.
Riga FC vs FK Auda 4-1 (2-0)
Goals: Ramires 15′ 29′, Contreras 59′, Badamosi 84′ | Gerold 68′
RIG: Zviedris – Jurkovskis, Černomordijs, Eduardo (Wassom 78′) Salazar, – Ankrah (Siqueira 65′), Galo – Contreras (Oulad 65′), Varslavāns, Aouani (Pena 86′) – Ramiries (Badamosi 78′)
AUD: Puriņš – Hrvoj (Miņins 78′), Kragliks (Diawara 86′), Ouedraogo, Rubenis – Kone – Diedhiou, Dašķevičs (Fofana 27′), Bongemba, Gerold (Luswki 78′) – Diagne
