--- title: "The first lap of Virslīga will conclude with the 43rd Big Rīga derby" date: 2025-04-26T12:38:46Z lang: en author: "Janis Vitols" canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/with-the-43rd-riga-derby-the-first-round-of-virsliga-will-conclude/ categories: ["Virsliga"] --- # The first lap of Virslīga will conclude with the 43rd Big Rīga derby ![](https://i0.wp.com/balticfootballnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RFS-53.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)Photo: Sanita Ieva Sparāne **Today marks Matchday 9 of the TonyBet Virslīga, featuring a highly anticipated Rīga derby between defending champions FC RFS and title contenders Riga FC. The match will take place at LNK Sport Park and is set to kick off at 18:00 local time (Baltic Time).** Currently, FC RFS leads the table with 21 points, while Riga FC, having dropped some points earlier in the season, sits at 15 points. This match will be the 43rd Big Rīga derby between these two rivals. Historically, the encounters have been closely contested, with Riga FC winning 11 times and RFS winning 16 times. Last season, the teams faced each other five times, with each team claiming one league victory and two matches ending in draws. In the Latvian Cup semifinal, RFS surprised their rivals by eliminating them with a 2:1 victory, going on to win the Latvian Cup. This season, the teams met prior to the league starting in the Latvian Super Cup, where RFS defeated Riga FC 3:1 at LNK Sport Park. Goals for RFS were scored by Jānis Ikaunieks, Cedric Kouadio, and Dmitrijs Zelenkovs, while Marko Regža provided a consolation goal for Riga FC. The all-time top scorer in the Rīga derby is Serbian striker Darko Lemajic, who has scored nine goals while playing for both teams. He will look to become the first player to reach the double-digit count. Even though only one-quarter of the season would be completed after this game, if RFS wins today, it would significantly improve their chances of winning the league again. RFS missed their leader Jānis Ikaunieks in their last league match but he is expected to return today. On the other hand, Riga FC has no injury concerns, with all of their key players available for selection.
#ClubGPWDLGDPts
1Riga FC3627725988
2FC RFS3628356187
3FK Liepāja3618711461
4BFC Daugavpils3613914-1048
5FK Auda3613617-545
6FS Jelgava3681414-738
7FK Tukums 2000369918-2436
8SK Super Nova3661416-1232
9FK Grobiņa368820-3132
10FK Metta368721-3531