Riga FC have booked their place in the Latvian Cup final, joining FK Auda, after a commanding 4-0 away victory over FK Liepāja, the current third-placed side in the Virslīga.
The visitors struck early, taking the lead in the 4th minute when Marko Regža converted a close-range chance created by Meissa Diop. With Brazilian forward Reginaldo Ramires starting on the bench, Regža took full advantage of his opportunity up front.
Midway through the first half, Riga doubled their advantage. Peruvian international Joao Grimaldo weaved into the box and went down under contact from Moustapha Diaw, earning a penalty. Regža stepped up and confidently buried it low into the net for 2-0.
Riga goalkeeper Krišjānis Zviedris had little to do throughout, while Liepāja tried to spark a comeback after the break but failed to create clear chances. Their hopes were crushed in the 70th minute when a defensive blunder gifted possession to Costa Rica midfielder Orlando Galo, who slotted in for 3-0.
The evening worsened for Liepāja when substitute Tresor Samba was sent off in the 78th minute after VAR review showed him kneeing Galo from behind. Riga FC quickly capitalized, and in the 82nd minute, substitute Ramires added the fourth from close range after a scramble in the box.
For Riga FC, this marks their fifth Latvian Cup final appearance. They lost in 2016 and 2017, triumphed in 2018 and again in 2023, and will now face FK Auda, who yesterday beat defending champions RFS 2-0 in the other semifinal. The final will take place on October 30.
FK Liepāja vs Riga FC – 0:4 (0:2)
Goals: Regža 4′, 27′ (Penalty kick), Galo 70′, Ramires 82′
