RFS crowned Latvian champions for fourth time

RFS have been crowned Latvian Virslīga champions for the fourth time in their history after securing a convincing 3-0 home victory over FK Grobiņa. Goals from Stefan Panic, Darko Lemajic and Dmitrijs Zelenkovs ensured the Rīga-based club reclaimed the league title for the first time since 2024, with one round remaining in the season.

The task for RFS heading into the penultimate round was straightforward: defeat Grobiņa by any scoreline and the championship would be theirs, regardless of the result in Riga FC’s match against Ogre United.

Having won all three previous meetings against Grobiņa this season, RFS entered the encounter as overwhelming favourites and immediately demonstrated their intentions.

The hosts created their first clear-cut opportunity in the fourth minute when Slovenian defender Žiga Lipušček rose to meet a delivery inside the penalty area, but his close-range header sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

RFS continued to control proceedings, although they had to wait until the 22nd minute to break the deadlock.

Darko Lemajic was brought down inside the penalty area after Dāvis Družiņš held the Serbian striker while attempting to prevent him from reaching a cross. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, giving RFS an excellent opportunity to take the lead.

Stefan Panic stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to make it 1-0, moving the hosts one step closer to the championship.

Just five minutes later, RFS doubled their advantage. Balde delivered an accurate cross from the right flank, finding Lemajic inside the penalty area. The Serbian striker outmuscled his marker and directed a powerful header into the net, leaving Grobiņa goalkeeper Roberts Ozols with little chance.

The second goal put RFS firmly in control and brought the hosts within touching distance of their fourth league title.

RFS continued to dominate after the interval and created several opportunities to extend their advantage. Ozols was called into action on multiple occasions during the opening stages of the second half, producing important saves to deny both Lemajic and Jānis Ikaunieks within a matter of minutes.

However, the Grobiņa goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent RFS from adding a spectacular third goal in the 73rd minute. Dmitrijs Zelenkovs collected possession outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful long-range strike into the top corner, leaving Ozols helpless.

The outstanding finish made it 3-0 and effectively ended any remaining doubts about the destination of the championship trophy.

With the result beyond doubt, the closing stages became a countdown to the final whistle as RFS prepared to celebrate another league title.

The victory officially confirmed RFS as four-time Latvian champions, joining Riga FC on four Virslīga titles. In the modern era of Latvian football, only FK Ventspils, with six championships, and record holders Skonto Riga, with 15, have won more.

Meanwhile, RFS’s closest title rivals Riga FC suffered another disappointing afternoon, being held to a goalless draw away against already-relegated Ogre United.

Riga FC needed a victory to preserve even a mathematical chance of winning the championship, but their hopes of even getting a win extinguished when Mohamed Badamosi failed to convert a penalty in the 88th minute.

The results mean that next weekend’s Rīga derby between RFS and Riga FC will have no bearing on the destination of the championship, with the title already secured by RFS before the final round.

FC RFS vs FK Grobiņa – 3-0 (2-0)
Goals: Panic 22′ (Penalty kick), Lemajic 27′, Zelenkovs 73′

Ogre United vs Riga FC – 0-0 (0-0)