Tonybet Virslīga Matchday 16 opened with Riga FC eventually breaking down stubborn resistance from Grobiņa at Skonto Stadium, as late goals secured a 2-0 victory and another important three points for the race at the top of the table.
For long stretches the visitors frustrated one of the league’s strongest sides, but Muhammed Badamosi’s stoppage-time goal finally allowed Riga FC to breathe easier after a tense second half.
Riga FC controlled much of the possession from the opening whistle, though Grobiņa once again showed the defensive discipline and work ethic that has kept several matches competitive despite their poor run of form. Early in the match the hosts even had a potential penalty situation checked by VAR, though no penalty was awarded because of an offside prior to Badamosi receiving the ball.
Despite Riga creating more pressure, Grobiņa looked dangerous on transitions throughout the first half. Artjoms Puzirevskis twice tested the Riga defence, while Rolands Baravykas forced Frenks Orols into a relatively comfortable save after a long-range effort midway through the opening period.
Riga meanwhile continued pushing for an opener through crosses and set pieces. Muhammed Badamosi, Antonijs Černomordijs and Meïssa Diop all came close before the breakthrough finally arrived deep into first-half stoppage time.
After sustained pressure Maksims Toņiševs found Raivis Jurkovskis outside the penalty area, with the Latvian international firing home from distance in the second minute of stoppage time to give Riga FC a 1-0 advantage before halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Riga FC dominated territory and possession, but Grobiņa remained compact and difficult to break down while still creating moments of danger on counter attacks. One of the visitors’ best chances came after Oļģerds Raščevskis stole the ball from a Riga defender and set up Puzirevskis in a promising position, though the attacker failed to hit the target.
It looked like Badamosi would finally get his goal in the 59th minute after finishing from close range following a cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Caio Ferreira also tested goalkeeper Vjačeslavs Kudrjavcevs from distance, but Riga had a genuine scare late in the match when Grobiņa created a dangerous sequence inside the penalty area. Ali Aruna’s first shot was saved, the rebound effort from Maksims Sidorovs was blocked by defenders and Jose Ribeiro’s follow-up attempt was also stopped by the Riga backline. The attack was eventually flagged for offside in the buildup, but it still served as a warning sign for the home side.
Riga FC eventually sealed the victory in the 90+1 minute. After another wave of pressure, Muhammed Badamosi – dangerous throughout the entire evening – finally got his goal after stealing the ball from a defender and finishing calmly one-on-one into the bottom corner. The striker celebrated emotionally with the home supporters and was shown a yellow card for excessive celebration.
The victory allows Riga FC to move even closer to the top of the Tonybet Virslīga table. Riga are now just one point behind leaders RFS, though the reigning champions still have their Matchday 16 fixture against Super Nova later tonight and could restore a four-point advantage.
Riga FC have now gone 15 consecutive matches without defeat in all competitions, continuing their strong run after an inconsistent start to the season.
Meanwhile Grobiņa’s difficult stretch continues. The club has now failed to win any of its last 13 league matches and remains involved in a tense battle near the bottom of the standings, with their only two victories this season still coming during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Riga FC vs FK Grobiņa – 2-0 (1-0)
Goals: Jurkovskis 45+2′, Badamosi 90+1′
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  RFS |
16 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 38 | 11 | 27 | 43 |
| 2 |  Riga FC |
16 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 50 | 17 | 33 | 39 |
| 3 |  FK Auda |
15 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 31 |
| 4 |  Super Nova |
16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 20 |
| 5 |  FK Liepāja |
15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 19 |
| 6 |  BFC Daugavpils |
15 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 17 |
| 7 |  FS Jelgava |
15 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 29 | -18 | 14 |
| 8 |  FK Tukums 2000 |
15 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 29 | 27 | 2 | 13 |
| 9 |  Grobiņa |
16 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 26 | -16 | 13 |
| 10 |  Ogre United |
15 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 13 | 36 | -23 | 4 |
