RFS returned to the top of the Tonybet Virslīga standings after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over BFC Daugavpils.
One of the major pre-match talking points surrounded goalkeeper Jānis Beks, who for the first time since October 2022 was allowed to play against parent club RFS after previously missing 11 meetings because of loan restrictions. Meanwhile RFS head coach Viktors Morozs handed Latvia international Roberts Veips his first start – and first minutes overall – of the season.
The visitors immediately looked to exploit the aerial presence of striker Darko Lemajic. The Serbian forward created two headed opportunities inside the opening five minutes, although both attempts drifted wide. Beks was then called into action in the eighth minute, producing a strong save to deny Dmitrijs Zelenkovs from the bottom corner before later reacting again to stop Jānis Ikaunieks’ header following a corner.
RFS continued targeting crosses and aerial deliveries throughout the opening half, and eventually the pressure paid off in the 34th minute. Mor Talla delivered another dangerous cross into the box and this time Lemajic found the target with a powerful header to finally beat Beks and put the champions ahead.
Daugavpils nearly found an equaliser early in the second half through a huge double opportunity. Joel Yakubu launched a counterattack and slipped Maksims Kopilovs through between the defenders, but his effort toward the corner was brilliantly saved by Jevgenijs Nerugals. The rebound fell straight back to Yakubu, whose follow-up from a tight angle looked destined for the net before multiple RFS defenders, alongside Nerugals, desperately threw themselves in front of the shot to preserve the lead.
The home side continued threatening from set pieces and crosses, with Kopilovs forcing another save from Nerugals midway through the second half, while Cety Tchibinda also headed narrowly wide from a corner.
RFS, however, managed the final stages professionally despite several missed opportunities to seal the match, including chances for Modou Saidy and Jānis Ikaunieks. Daugavpils pushed late, but the visitors held firm to secure all three points.
The victory moves RFS back into first place in the Virslīga standings, now two points ahead of Riga FC. Daugavpils remain sixth with 14 points after 12 matches.
Daugavpils return to action already in four days with a difficult away trip against FK Liepāja, while RFS will look for revenge against FK Auda after losing to them earlier this season.
BFC Daugavpils vs FC RFS – 0-1 (0-1)
Goal: Lemajic 34′
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  RFS |
12 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 26 | 9 | 17 | 31 |
| 2 |  Riga FC |
12 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 40 | 14 | 26 | 29 |
| 3 |  FK Auda |
12 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 26 | 16 | 10 | 25 |
| 4 |  FK Liepāja |
12 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 18 | -4 | 15 |
| 5 |  BFC Daugavpils |
12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 14 | 19 | -5 | 14 |
| 6 |  Super Nova |
12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 17 | -5 | 14 |
| 7 |  FK Tukums 2000 |
12 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 24 | 18 | 6 | 12 |
| 8 |  FS Jelgava |
12 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 22 | -14 | 12 |
| 9 |  Grobiņa |
12 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 18 | -12 | 11 |
| 10 |  Ogre United |
12 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 10 | 29 | -19 | 3 |
