One goal enough for RFS to beat Liepāja in windy conditions

In the opening match of the second round of the Tonybet Virslīga, vice-champions FC RFS secured a narrow 1-0 away victory over FK Liepāja in very windy conditions. The only goal of the match was scored by Stefan Panić in the first half following a set-piece situation.

Both teams had started the season with victories in the opening round. Liepāja defeated defending champions Riga FC at home, while RFS beat league newcomers Ogre United 2-0 thanks to two second-half goals.

Both coaches made changes to their lineups compared to the previous match. Liepāja head coach Andreas Alm made several changes in attack, handing starting roles to Abiodun Ogunniyi, Djibril Gueye, and Ivans Patrikejevs. Meanwhile, Viktors Morozs made two adjustments for RFS. The most surprising was Niks Dusalijevs making his first start at right-back in place of Roberts Savaļnieks, while Cedric Kouadio led the attack instead of Kingsley Emenike.

Playing with the wind in the first half, RFS quickly gained control after regaining possession in the fifth minute and began to dominate the game. Their pressure paid off in the 14th minute, when Lasha Odisharia delivered a cross from a set-piece situation. Stefan Panić won his aerial duel against Andrei Korobenko and headed the ball into the net, scoring his first goal of the season. It was the third assist for Odisharia in two games this season.

Liepāja struggled to create attacking opportunities during the remainder of the first half, relying mostly on quick counterattacks. One of those transitions resulted in a dangerous cross across the goal, but no attacker was able to reach the ball to finish the move.

Despite playing with the wind after the break, Liepāja failed to significantly improve their attacking play. Even after several substitutions and changes in the forward line, the hosts struggled to create clear chances. RFS, meanwhile, managed the game calmly against the wind and held onto their lead in a match that produced relatively few scoring opportunities.

With the win, RFS have now collected two victories from two matches, while FK Liepāja suffered their first defeat of the season.

In the final round before the March international break, Liepāja will travel to face Ogre United next Friday, while RFS will host BFC Daugavpils a day later.

FK Liepāja vs FC RFS – 0-1 (0-1)
Goal: Panic 14′

Round 25

01/08

Daugavpils