RFS move one win away from Virslīga title

RFS moved to within one victory of reclaiming the Latvian Virslīga title after securing a 3-0 away victory over Super Nova in the 34th round of the season. Captain Žiga Lipušček scored twice, while Darko Lemajič added another as the visitors extended their lead over Riga FC to seven points.

With the championship within touching distance, RFS entered the encounter as overwhelming favourites against a Super Nova side that had caused problems for several of the league’s leading teams this season. However, despite dominating possession, the visitors struggled to break down their opponents during a competitive opening half.

RFS created their first opportunity in the fourth minute when Herdi Prenga connected with Laša Odisharia corner but directed his header narrowly wide. Roberts Savaļnieks then tested Super Nova goalkeeper Dāvis Veisbuks with an effort from inside the penalty area, while Modou Saidy also came close with a header.

The hosts were not without their chances. In the 18th minute, Raivis Ķiršs forced RFS goalkeeper Jevgeņijs Nerugals into a save with a header following a delivery from Valerijs Lizunovs.

RFS continued to threaten, with Veisbuks producing an important save to deny Cedric Kouadio in the 24th minute before Jānis Ikaunieks saw his follow-up header blocked.

Two minutes later, Super Nova came agonisingly close to taking a surprise lead. Following an RFS corner, the hosts launched a quick counterattack, with Lizunovs breaking down the right flank before unleashing a powerful effort that struck the crossbar.

RFS head coach responded by making two substitutions at half-time, introducing Dmitrijs Zelenkovs and Mārtiņš Ķigurs in place of Roberts Savaļnieks and Cedric Kouadio. The changes quickly paid dividends.

Just five minutes after the restart, RFS finally broke the deadlock. Zelenkovs delivered a corner into the penalty area, where captain Žiga Lipušček rose highest to direct a header into the bottom corner beyond Veisbuks, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The goal shifted the momentum firmly in RFS’ favour, and the visitors doubled their advantage nine minutes later. In the 59th minute, Odisharia delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank, finding Darko Lemajič inside the six-yard box. The Serbian striker made no mistake from close range, finishing into the roof of the net to score his first goal in three matches and put RFS 2-0 ahead.

With a comfortable advantage established, RFS controlled proceedings for much of the remaining half, although Super Nova continued to look for opportunities to get back into the contest.

The visitors remained dangerous in attack, with Veisbuks denying Ķigurs from close range in the 87th minute after a well-timed through ball from Saidy.

RFS eventually added a third goal in the 88th minute, once again through their captain. Following another corner, Zelenkovs delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, where Lipušček rose above the defence to head the ball into the bottom corner, completing his brace and sealing the 3-0 victory.

The result takes RFS seven points clear of reigning champions Riga FC, although their city rivals have three matches remaining, beginning with Monday’s away fixture against Grobiņa.

Riga FC must win all three remaining matches to retain any hope of defending their title. Should they lose against Grobiņa, RFS would be crowned champions without having to play again. Regardless of their rivals’ results, one more victory from their final two matches would mathematically guarantee RFS the Virslīga title.

SK Super Nova vs FC RFS – 0-3 (0-0)
Goals: Lipušček 50′ 88′, Lemajič 59′