Jelgava thrash hosts Tukums 2000 4-1 in rainy round-28 clash

In round 28 of the Latvian Virslīga, FS Jelgava claimed a convincing 4-1 away victory over Tukums 2000 at Tukums city stadium.

Jelgava opened the scoring inside the first minute when Tomašs Ratajs converted a pass from Filips Hašeks for his fourth goal of the season. Shortly afterward, the referee awarded and then, following a VAR review, overturned a penalty in the visitors' favor. Tukums 2000 equalized in the 26th minute, as defender Dāvis Valmiers set up Leone Gastadelu, who beat goalkeeper Adams Dvoržāks with a strike from the edge of the box.

Jelgava retook the lead early in the second half. In the 47th minute, Martins Hašeks split the home defense with a pass to Armands Petersons, who scored his second goal of the season. Jelgava extended their advantage in the 62nd minute when Roberts Meļķis converted from a corner-kick move for 3-1. Late in the match, Filips Hašeks added a fourth goal with a precise near-post finish, sealing the 4-1 result.

The hosts' evening worsened further in stoppage time when defender Rūdolfs Reingholcs received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge and was sent off, ruling him out of the team's next match.

The defeat means Tukums 2000 remain four points above bottom-placed Grobiņa. In the next round, on September 5, Tukums will host Ogre United at home, while Jelgava will host Super Nova.