In the TonyBet Virslīga’s Matchday 9, the Rīga derby saw Riga FC secure a 1:0 victory against their main rivals and defending champions, FC RFS, thanks to a late goal by Orlando Galo.
RFS manager Viktors Morozs was again without Jānis Ikaunieks due to injury, marking his second consecutive game out. Making his first appearance of the season in this crucial match was Latvian U-21 national team midfielder Gļebs Žaleiko. Additionally, Cedric Kouadio, goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa, and defender Haruna Njie returned to the starting lineup. Riga FC manager Adrian Gula made two changes, bringing Meissa Diop and Baba Musah back into the starting XI.
The game began with both teams cautiously assessing each other’s strengths, leading to a lack of clear chances in the first half. The first notable save came from Riga FC goalkeeper Krišjānis Zviedris, who responded well to a surprising long-range shot from Cedric Kouadio.
The match turned intense, reflecting its high stakes, with referee Edgars Maļcevs issuing a total of 14 yellow cards, a testament to the players’ heart and passion, despite some skill deficiencies.
In the second half, Riga FC took control of the game, seeking to exploit gaps in the RFS defense. However, RFS suffered a significant blow when two key players, Lasha Odisharia and captain Žiga Lipušček, were forced to leave the match due to injuries.
In the 81st minute, the situation worsened for RFS. Following a corner kick, an initial shot from Riga FC’s Costa Rican midfielder Orlando Galo hit the crossbar. Galo was quick to react, seizing the rebound and heading it into the goal, giving Riga FC a well-deserved lead and thrilling the fans who had come to support them.
RFS attempted to equalize, but their efforts were thwarted. With this victory, Riga FC made the league table more competitive, now sitting just three points behind the leaders, RFS. Sandwiched between the two Rīga superclubs is FK Auda, who will face FC RFS in their next match.
FC RFS vs Riga FC – 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Galo 81′
Yellow Card: Savaļnieks 13′, Odisharia 16′, Kouadio 48′, Žaleiko 49′, Zelenkovs 59′, Lemajic 90+5′ | Musah 57′, Galo 61′, Ankrah 72′, Toņiševs 77′, Taiwo 90+5′
RFS: Ondoa – Savaļnieks, Njie, Prenga, Lipušček (Stuglis 70′) – Zelenkovs – Žaleiko (Porsan-Clemente 85′), Panic, Odisharia (Mares 67′) – Lemajic, Kouadio (Ndjiki 85′)
RIG: Zviedris – Toņiševs (Jurkovskis 84′), Musah, Ngom, Erquiaga – Ankrah – Mankenda (Dašķevičs 90′), Galo, Diop (Regža 90+3′) – Ramires (Taiwo 84′), Contreras
| # | Club | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 1 | FC RFS | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 25 |
| 2 | Riga FC | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 24 |
| 3 | FK Auda | 11 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 19 |
| 4 | BFC Daugavpils | 11 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 17 |
| 5 | FS Jelgava | 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 16 |
| 6 | FK Liepāja | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | -1 | 14 |
| 7 | FK Metta | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | -9 | 11 |
| 8 | FK Grobiņa | 11 | 2 | 2 | 7 | -14 | 8 |
| 9 | SK Super Nova | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -5 | 7 |
| 10 | FK Tukums 2000 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -10 | 6 |