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The final of U17 Riga Cup 2025 winter edition was played between Latvian SK Super Nova and Lithuanian BFA Vilnius; after a sharp game, the Vilnius team was the one which could lift the trophy high, celebrating the tournament victory won by penalty shootout.

The teams played their tournament opener two days before this final, as both of them were drawn to Group A. That game ended with a 0-0 draw, but due to the teams other results in the group stage, BFA Vilnius won the first place with 8 points (and a goal difference of +2) over SK Super Nova (7 points, +3 goal difference).

During the semi-finals, Super Nova went through other Vilnius team Vilnius Football Academy by penalties, while BFA Vilnius won by two goals over Group B second placed team FK TransINVEST (2-0). After these exciting encounters, it was predictable that we will see a tough and narrow game between the finalists, showcasing special individual and team performances.

SK Super Nova in yellow and black, coached by Vladislavs Pavļučenko, used 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 (double 6) reminiscent shapes for its final game. In addition to the team’s confident and swift short passing play in each areas, its main strength was in the midfield section, from where quality support could come both for the defense and for the offense. They didn’t really want to play for the draw; the focus was on to score the decisive goal in the regular time, so the players were on the way to create goalscoring opportunities – and to make efforts from distance.

(SK Super Nova player Arvīds Rudušs, number 85 in yellow-black, hit the crossbar by his left-footed ‘rocket’)

BFA Vilnius in white and blue, led by coach Raimondas Vilėniškis, started to play in 4-4-2 formation. They put the focus mainly on to press the opposing players with high intensity, as well as filtering the midfield by attempts to make ball interceptions on that area. The lot of off-ball movements and the position changes were also typical of the team’s tactics; the effective and fluid team play can be highlighted as one BFA Vilnius main strengths, in addition to the outstanding player qualities from each sections. It was delighting to see, like their opponents, they didn’t want to play for the penalty shootout either.

(BFA Vilnius players at the offense – seeking for the right positions and also for the opened passing lanes in the final third)

Both goalkeepers, Toms Petrovičs (SK Super Nova) and Dominikas Chvoinickis (BFA Vilnius) should be mentioned, as key players in holding the game goalless by their great saves and movements.

(Toms Petrovičs, SK Super Nova goalkeeper in red, with an excellent save)

After ending 0-0 in the regular time, the penalty shootout came. It went to the 4th pair of the takers; BFA Vilnius player Ignas Misiūnas stepped behind the ball with a huge pressure on his back and with the stake that his shot will win the tournament for his team. Despite these, the youngster took his penalty confidently – converting it into a shiny trophy.

(Ignas Misiūnas, player number 99 in white-blue, with the decisive penalty)

Congratulations for all ten participating teams of the U17 Riga Cup 2025 Winter; especially for the two finalists: runner-up team SK Super Nova and tournament winner BFA Vilnius !

Who were the best potential players of the final?

Kristers Birkše-Kloks (SK Super Nova), defensive midfielder born 2008.

Kristers played as defensive midfielder, mainly in the role of the deep-lying playmaker – in addition to wearing the captain’s armband. His creativity and his promising playmaking abilities definitely must be highlighted; the frequent scanning, communication to his teammates and the control of them were also noticeable during building up the play from the back/from the own half. Was able to show effectiveness at his defending duels (which resulted several important ball wins) and bravery at participating in aerial challenges. His play and decisions were entirely filled with awareness.

Daniels Zeps (SK Super Nova), defensive midfielder born 2009.

Daniels, other defensive midfielder of SK Super Nova, played with high level of motivation and confidence. Despite he was not one of the strongest or tallest players on the pitch, wasn’t afraid of putting the pressure (even by physical challenges) onto his opponents nor to make solid normal tackles in the midfield zone. His pressing play was intensive enough; tried to force his opponents to make mistakes, resulting given balls from their side. Skillful on the ball, has good pace and acceleration – represented dynamism in this clash. The strong mental attributes are also typical of his personality and player characteristics.

Matīss Caune (SK Super Nova), right-back/right winger born 2007.

Matīss was the official MVP of the U17 Riga Cup 2025 Winter final. Playing on the right flank, had both defending and attacking tasks. Has good technique; performed his skill moves on the ball with full of awareness and bravery. An energetic and dynamic player; despite he was rather offensive minded in this game, also paid high level of attention to his defensive duties. Was good at combination play in the final third, as well as in starting to dribble with the ball on his side. In the 25th and 31st minutes, had two decent attempts inside the opposition box.

Ailandas Alonderis (BFA Vilnius), central midfielder born 2009.

Ailandas, BFA Vilnius midfielder, presented fairly likable mentality hand in hand with great tactical discipline. Tenacious player; there were important ball wins under his name, strove to regain the possession in the midfield immediately. Was able to make ball interceptions on both halves of the pitch, by his great positioning and reactions. Practiced an intensive pressing play on his opponents, with avoiding the unnecessary runs or to chase the ball/opponents unnecessarily. Key mental attributes like the awareness and determination were shown at the highest level by him.

Rapolas Pikelis (BFA Vilnius), winger born 2008.

Rapolas, a skillful and creative winger, was visible playing on both flanks despite his main position was on the right side (as RW). He was able to solve his attacking duels effectively by using his great creativity and rapidity; demonstrated quickness, and showed himself quite promising at dribbling. Besides his significant participation in the team’s offensive play, he didn’t neglect the defending – often ran back to the defensive zone, to give quality support for the teammates at the back. In the 6th and 20th minutes, performed two dangerous left-footed attempts from distance.

To FOLLOW also SK Super Nova striker Georgijs Bombāns (2009) and central midfielder Dairis Mičulis (2008); and BFA Vilnius left-back Deividas Česnauskis (2008), striker Žygimantas Jurevičius (2008) and central midfielders Gediminas Valickis (2007) & Norvilas Galadauskas (2008).

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