Saldus SS/Leevon 2 – 3 Riga FC | Latvian Cup – Round of 16

July 11, 2026 – Kick-off 01:00 local time

Riga FC survived a spirited fightback from lower‑league side Saldus SS/Leevon to advance to the Latvian Cup quarter‑finals with a 3‑2 victory. The top‑flight side showed their quality early on but were pushed to the limit by a determined home team.

Fast start from Riga

Riga FC dominated the opening stages and took a deserved lead in the 14th minute. Midfielder Jānis Ikaunieks curled a free‑kick over the wall and into the top corner. They doubled their advantage just before the half‑hour mark when striker Emīls Birka tapped in from close range after a low cross from the right.

Saldus, playing in the second tier, refused to buckle. They pulled one back on 38 minutes through a penalty converted by Kārlis Zariņš after a handball in the box. The half ended 2‑1.

Second‑half drama

Riga restored their two‑goal cushion early in the second half when Aleksandrs Cauņa fired home from 20 yards in the 51st minute. But Saldus again refused to surrender. A defensive mix‑up allowed substitute Mārtiņš Kļaviņš to score a simple tap‑in in the 73rd minute, setting up a nervy finale.

Riga’s experience showed as they managed the closing stages, keeping possession and snuffing out any late chances. The visitors held on for a 3‑2 win.

Cup implications

• Riga FC progress to face FK Liepāja in the quarter‑finals
• Saldus SS/Leevon earn praise for a brave performance against higher‑level opposition
• Attendance: 1,200 – a strong crowd for a cup tie

Riga, perennial contenders for the Latvian title, will be relieved to have advanced but will need to tighten their defence in the next round.