RFS come back from 2-0 down to beat FS Jelgava 4-2 in Latvian Virslīga

In round 32 of the Tonybet Virslīga, Latvia's top football league, Riga club RFS, who are contending for the championship, beat FS Jelgava 4-2 at home. The visitors led 2-0 early in the second half, but RFS scored four goals in under half an hour. The result makes Jelgava's pursuit of sixth place in the table harder.

Jelgava take a two-goal lead

FS Jelgava's starting lineup was heavily rearranged. Defenders Maksims Semeško and Jegors Novikovs were unavailable, and Emīls Kristers Šmaukstelis and Ādams Dreimanis started instead; it was Dreimanis's first Virslīga game this season. RFS had more of the ball, but Jelgava defended compactly and looked to counter quickly.

Czech midfielder Filips Hašeks opened the scoring in the 28th minute, finishing an attack after a header from Gļebs Žaleiko. In the 47th minute he scored again from a pass by his brother Martins to make it 2-0.

RFS turn it around

After conceding, RFS raised the pressure. In the 55th minute Darko Lemajičs cut the deficit after a cross. In the 62nd minute a foul by Alans Kangars in the box led to a penalty, which Stefans Paničs converted for 2-2. A few minutes later Lemajičs scored his second to put RFS ahead 3-2, and in the 81st minute Rostands Ndžiki made it 4-2 after winning an aerial duel.

Statistics and standings

RFS had 18 shots, five on target; Jelgava had seven, four on target. Expected goals (xG) stood at 3.08 to 0.42 in favour of the hosts, and possession was 62.8% to 37.2%. Jelgava scored against RFS for the first time this season in the league; they had lost the previous three meetings 0-1, 0-4 and 0-1.

FS Jelgava are seventh with 32 points, while sixth-placed SK Super Nova have 38. Jelgava have four matches left this season. Their next game is away to FK Liepāja on 18 October at 16:00.