Daugavpils defeats Jelgava in a key clash and climbs to fourth place in the table

In a key Virslīga clash between two teams that have started the season strongly, BFC Daugavpils secured a vital 1–0 home victory over FS Jelgava on Matchday 15, climbing to fourth place thanks to a first-half strike from team leader Barthelemy Diedhiou—the only goal of the match.

Thanks to Auda’s ongoing winless streak, which has now stretched to six matches (0 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses), both Daugavpils and Jelgava have found themselves within striking distance of not just the top four, but even a spot in the top three of the Tonybet Latvian Higher League. Ahead of their head-to-head clash, the stakes were clear: a win for Jelgava would have lifted them to third place, while a Daugavpils victory would move them into fourth. In the case of a draw, Jelgava would have retained fourth, with Daugavpils climbing to fifth.

Despite failing to win any of their previous five matches (0-2-3) and suffering a heavy 1:4 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season, Daugavpils had reasons for optimism. Their recent run of matches had come against top-tier opposition, and crucially, both teams are known for their strong home form—a factor that ultimately proved decisive.

While Jelgava has been formidable at home, collecting 17 points from seven matches and scoring 15 goals, their away form has been dismal—only three points from seven matches and just a single goal scored all season, that too in the opening match. In contrast, Daugavpils has shown consistency at home, earning 13 points (4-1-2), with their only losses coming against Riga’s powerhouse clubs.

Jelgava had an early opportunity in the 20th minute from a direct free-kick in a promising position, but David Holubek’s strike crashed into the defensive wall. Daugavpils forward Diallo took the hit directly to the head, requiring a brief pause in play, though he was able to continue.

For much of the first half, Jelgava appeared the more dangerous side, creating several chances, but Daugavpils goalkeeper Jānis Beks stood tall, producing a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the match.

With just one minute of added time at the end of the first half, Daugavpils made it count. After a cross into the penalty area, Diallo smartly nodded the ball down to Diedhiou, who rifled a precise first-time shot into the bottom corner of Dvorák’s net—giving the hosts the lead just before the break.

Early in the second half, Daugavpils nearly doubled their lead. Mohamed Koné whipped in a dangerous low cross across the face of goal, but his teammate couldn’t quite connect. Fifteen minutes from time, the hosts had another golden opportunity on the counterattack. The ball fell perfectly to an unmarked Diallo, but his low effort rolled just wide of the open corner of the net.

Jelgava responded with a chance of their own soon after. Ismael Campos found space inside the box, but his close-range shot missed the target. Despite late pressure, neither side was able to find the net again, and Daugavpils held firm to claim a narrow but vital 1:0 win.

With this result, Daugavpils now sits fourth in the league, reasserting their presence in the upper tier of the table and staying firmly in the hunt for a top-three finish.

BFC Daugavpils vs FS Jelgava – 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Diedhiou 45+1′
DAU: Beks – Mihaļcovs, Taty, Williams, Skrebels, Diakite, Lizunovs, Fofana (Cucurs 46′), Kone (Kudeļkins 83′), Diedhiou (Murakami 67′), Diallo (Kaušelis 88′)
JEL: Dvorak – Muhammad (Jankovskis 80′), Aļekseičiks, Veips, Ullman, Promise (Pētersons 71′), Penkevics, Holoubek, Yuzvak – Peilāns (Bečers 61′), Emenike (Campos 71′)

Virslīga Matchday 15:

• 24.05.2025 – FK Metta vs Riga FC – 0:3
• 24.05.2025 – FK Liepāja vs FK Auda – 0:0
• 25.05.2025 – BFC Daugavpils vs FS Jelgava – 1:0
• 25.05.2025 – FK Tukums 2000 vs FC RFS – 18:00
• 26.05.2025 – FK Grobiņa vs SK Super Nova – 18:00