Unbeaten run continues as FK Liepāja overpowers Tukums

The 20th round of the TonyBet Virslīga kicked off with FK Liepāja claiming a hard-fought but ultimately dominant 3–1 away victory over FK Tukums 2000 — their first win in Tukums since August 2023.

The hosts came into the match on a high after a surprise away win over BFC Daugavpils, and historically had fared relatively well against Liepāja in recent seasons. Since rejoining the top flight in 2022, Tukums had managed to even the playing field, particularly in 2024 — entering the game with two wins and three draws from their last six meetings with the seaside club. Both earlier meetings this season had ended in draws.

Both sides made changes from their previous matches. Tukums were again without the suspended Kaspars Anmanis, while key player Niks Dusalijevs began on the bench. In total, head coach Kristaps Dišlers made four adjustments to his starting eleven.

For Liepāja, manager Andreas Alm — whose side entered the match unbeaten in five — shuffled his attacking options. Leading scorers Djibril Gueye and Bruno Melnis started on the bench alongside Joseph Ede Oloko and Moustapha Diaw. In their place, Amadou Traoré, Tresor Samba, Kyvon Leidsman, and Daņila Patijčuks were handed starts.

Liepāja started brightly, controlling possession and creating chances through coordinated build-up play. Their early pressure paid off after a corner was partially cleared by Bekima who was making his first start of the season, but his header fell kindly to Kirils Iļjins. The defender struck cleanly from just outside the box, sending the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1–0.

The visitors doubled their lead shortly after. A cross from Vladislavs Sorokins caused chaos in the box — goalkeeper Stūrītis seemed to have it covered, but mishandled the slippery ball. Patijčuks reacted quickest to score his first of the season and capitalize on the blunder.

Liepāja had further chances to extend their lead before halftime — Samba missed a promising opportunity and Stūrītis redeemed himself by saving Patijčuks’ header. Tukums, meanwhile, struggled to muster any meaningful attacks in the final third.

The second half mirrored the first until the 70th minute, when Tukums found a lifeline. Against the run of play, Kholod whipped in a cross that was expertly met by Ingars Pūlis, who headed in his 10th goal of the season to reduce the deficit.

The goal injected belief into the hosts. Liepāja, who had been in cruise control, suddenly looked unsettled. Tukums pressed high and created a few nervy moments, threatening to level the match. In response, Alm made a series of offensive substitutions, bringing on his most dangerous weapons — including Bruno Melnis and Djibril Gueye.

The fresh legs made an impact. In the dying moments, Melnis delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post where Gueye connected with a fierce first-time strike, sealing the 3–1 win and restoring Liepāja’s two-goal cushion.

With the victory, FK Liepāja leapfrog into third place in the Virslīga standings, continuing their strong run under Andreas Alm. FK Tukums 2000, despite a spirited second-half effort, remain in ninth place.

FK Tukums 2000 vs FK Liepāja – 1:3 (0:2)
Goals: Pūlis 69′ | Iļjins 14′, Patijčuks 27′, Gueye 90+1′
TUK: Stūriņš, Kačanovs (Kholod 46′), Mihoubi, Reingolcs, Joksts (Ķiršs 46′), Valmiers (Rogovs 85′), Volkovs, Sirbu (Putrāns 46′), Samoilovs, Bekima (Dusalijevs 46′), Pūlis
LIE: Petkovic, Isajevs, Sorokins, Iļjins, Babic, Lausic (Purtic 73′), Korobenko, Traore (Melnis 73′), Patijčuks (Oloko 90’+2), Leidsman (Gueye 85′), Samba (Diaw 73′)

Virslīga Matchday 20 games:

• 25.06.2025 – FK Tukums 2000 vs FK Liepāja – 1:3
• 26.06.2025 – BFC Daugavpils vs FK Grobiņa – 18:00
• 26.06.2025 – FS Jelgava vs FC RFS – 19:00
• 27.06.2025 – FK Auda vs Riga FC – 18:00
• 27.06.2025 – SK Super Nova vs FK Metta – 20:00