Tonybet Virslīga Matchday 16 continued with league leaders RFS extending their winning streak to seven consecutive matches after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a resilient SK Super Nova side at LNK Sporta Parks. Darko Lemajic scored the decisive goal late in the second half to finally break down the stubborn resistance of Super Nova, whose goalkeeper Dāvis Viljams Veisbuks delivered an excellent performance and kept the underdogs in the game for long stretches.
Despite RFS controlling possession early, it was Super Nova who surprisingly struck first. In the 13th minute Žiga Lipušček handled the ball inside the penalty area, allowing Agris Glaudāns to confidently convert from the spot and give Super Nova a shock lead. RFS responded almost immediately.
Just minutes later the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own after Jegors Cīrulis was penalized for handball following a VAR review. Stefan Panic calmly converted into the bottom corner to level the score at 1-1.
From that moment RFS began increasing the pressure. Roberts Savaļnieks continuously delivered dangerous crosses into the penalty area, repeatedly finding Darko Lemajic, though the Serbian striker struggled to convert several promising headers during the first half.
The second half turned into near constant pressure from the league leaders. RFS created wave after wave of attacks, forcing Super Nova deeper into their own half. Veisbuks became increasingly busy, producing several important saves to deny Gauthier Mankenda, Lemajic and Žiga Lipušček, while Super Nova defenders repeatedly threw themselves in front of shots to keep the match level.
Despite the pressure, Super Nova still remained dangerous on transitions. In the 82nd minute Nikita Barkovskis tested Jevgeņijs Nerugals with a strong effort from distance, forcing the RFS goalkeeper into an important save.
Only moments later, however, the decisive breakthrough finally arrived. In the 82nd minute Gauthier Mankenda delivered an excellent cross into the six-yard box where Darko Lemajic rose highest and powered his header into the top corner to finally put RFS ahead.
The goal ultimately proved enough for the league leaders, who managed the closing stages professionally despite Super Nova continuing to fight until the final whistle.
RFS have now won seven consecutive matches and temporarily restored their four-point advantage at the top of the Tonybet Virslīga standings over defending champions Riga FC.
SK Super Nova vs FC RFS – 1-2 (1-1)
Goals: Glaudāns 14′ (Penalty kick) | Panic 18′ (Penalty kick), Lemajic 82′
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  RFS |
16 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 38 | 11 | 27 | 43 |
| 2 |  Riga FC |
16 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 50 | 17 | 33 | 39 |
| 3 |  FK Auda |
15 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 31 |
| 4 |  Super Nova |
16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 20 |
| 5 |  FK Liepāja |
15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 19 |
| 6 |  BFC Daugavpils |
15 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 17 |
| 7 |  FS Jelgava |
15 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 29 | -18 | 14 |
| 8 |  FK Tukums 2000 |
15 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 29 | 27 | 2 | 13 |
| 9 |  Grobiņa |
16 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 26 | -16 | 13 |
| 10 |  Ogre United |
15 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 13 | 36 | -23 | 4 |
