MM Footy News

There was a lot of hype for the Rīgas Derbijs (Riga Derby) between RFS and Riga FC and it did not disappoint as Riga FC came from 2-0 down to  2-2 in a sold out match. The new stand for the RFS stadium the LNK Sporta Parks was built just before this match and it made the atmosphere electric.  The RFS fans cheering on their club Image Source: LNK Sporta Parks Facebook Page The hosts got off to the perfect start as they took the lead ten minutes in the game. Slovenian defender Žiga Lipušček scored a brilliant header from Roberts Savaļnieks corner kick and scored his forth goal of the season. 13 minutes later RFS had a huge chance to double the lead as Emerson was pulled down in the box by Gonzalo Muscia. Lipušček's penalty shot however went straight at Rihards Matrevics which was a huge sigh of relief for the Riga FC fans. Riga FC had a chance of their own as in the 33rd minute as Gauthier Mankenda dribbled past two defenders. Mankenda then passed it to Kemelho Nguena who's shot...

Top of the table Riga FC face BFC Daugavpils in what should be an entertaining Virsliga fixture on Friday night. Riga FC have 12 points and are aiming to keep their unbeaten run at home while the Latgale side are aiming for an upset. BFC Daugavpils have taken the league by surprise and are undefeated in their first five league matches with 11 points.   Daugavpils & Riga FC players clash in last season's encounter Image Source: Riga FC Facebook Page The Rīdzinieki have been solid at the back this season as they have had four clean sheets in five matches. Ghanaian defender Baba Musah has been the major factor in Riga's solid backline as he has a fantastic average pass accuracy rate of 95%. 21-year old left midfielder Eduards Dašķevičs is a player to watch as  many Latvian football fans have high hopes on him for the future. He is a quick and technical player who is very good with the ball with a successful dribbling rate of 82% in the Virsliga. Up front Riga FC hav...

As the international break is starting this weekend, one game you won't want to miss is the Latvian U21 side playing away in Cesena against Italy's U21 side in the 2025 Euro U21 Qualifiers on Friday. Despite Italy having 73% ball possession and 7 shots on target in the previous match against Latvia at the Slokas Stadions, Latvia tied the match 0-0 which was a massive upset in the group. Deniss Meļņiks (4) winning the ball over Daniele Ghilardi (11). Image Source: Futbols Facebook Page This Italian side is stacked in talent as at the back they have Atalanta defender Matteo Ruggeri who has been solid at the ball not only for the U21's but also in the Serie A as he has an 83% pass accuracy rate and has 3 assists this season. In the middle, Italy have AS Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove who has been a vital player in the Serie A and Europa League at just 21-years old. In the Serie A, Bove has a 62% succesful dribbling rate and a 84% pass accuracy rate. Another player to watch is Le...

A massive 1-0 away win for Valmiera against RFS as they are off to a flying start this season with two wins from two games. A disappointing result for the 2023 Virsliga champions RFS as they had 62% ball possession as well as playing at home in front of a full stadium at the LNK Sporta Parks. Meissa Diop celebrates after scoring against RFS Image Source: Valmiera FC Facebook Page The hosts started well with 10 minutes into the match, Serbian forward Darko Lemajić had a shot just outside the penalty box, which was saved by Carlos Olses. Three minutes later RFS had another opportunity as Roberts Savaļnieks made a brilliant pass to Lemajić from the back to the other side of the pitch which went past multiple players. Lemajić then ran into the penalty box however Valmiera captain Daniels Balodis made a key tackle which prevented a goal scoring opportunity for RFS. In the 25th minute the visitors took the lead as Djibril Guèye started a counter attack by dribbling pa...

The last Virsliga season champions RFS host the 2022 Virsliga champions Valmiera at the LNK Sporta Parks on Friday. Both teams started the season off on a high note as Valmiera beat Metta 2-0 while the Rīdzenieki scraped past Auda 2-1. As both clubs are aiming to win the league again this season, a loss could be costly in the title race. Both teams fighting for the ball in last season's encounter Image Source: Valmiera FC Facebook Page As mentioned in the Virsliga preview that I wrote last week, RFS are very solid at the back with some of the best defenders in the league. As well as being solid at the back, Slovenian defender Žiga Lipušček has been a scoring machine too. He scored in the last two matches, one being a late winner against Auda last weekend and against Riga FC in the Latvijas Superkauss (Latvian Super Cup). In the middle, look out for  Finnish U21 international Adam Markhiyev who is a composed player who makes the players around him better. Last season the 2...