Orols saves the penalty as Grobiņa grab vital win over Metta in relegation scrap

The Latvian Virslīga relegation fight took a dramatic turn as Grobiņa edged Metta 1-0 in Sloka Stadium, lifting their hopes of survival while leaving the Rīga side in serious trouble.

In the buildup, Grobiņa made headlines off the pitch by parting ways with long-serving coach Viktors Dobrecovs. Former international Oskars Kļava has stepped in, a role he briefly filled at Spartaks Jūrmala in 2022.

On the field, Metta had a golden chance to take control when Kristofers Rēķis was fouled in the box. But youngster Markuss Ivulāns saw his penalty saved by Frenks Dāvids Orols, and Grobiņa punished the miss almost instantly. Ukrainian striker Mykola Agapov latched onto a low cross in the 40th minute to net the game’s only goal – his second in three outings.

Metta struggled to create clear chances after the break, while Grobiņa remained the sharper side, nearly doubling the lead through Artjoms Puzirevskis. Abdul Bangura came closest for the hosts, but his shot drifted wide, and the Rīga team failed to mount a late charge.

Thanks to this win Grobiņa moves up to the 9th place in the table, two points in front of Metta.

Metta’s path looks daunting: four of their remaining five fixtures are against top-five clubs, with only Jelgava offering a glimmer of respite. Grobiņa, meanwhile, face Tukums 2000 and Super Nova in potentially decisive matches, though they can’t afford slips – especially as they trail in head-to-head results against rivals Metta.

FK Metta vs FK Grobiņa – 0:1 (0:1)
Goals: Agapov 40′

Virslīga Matchday 31:

• 26.09.2025 – FK Metta vs FK Grobiņa – 0:1
• 27.09.2025 – FS Jelgava vs FK Auda – 14:00
• 27.09.2025 – FK Tukums 2000 vs SK Super Nova – 16:00
• 28.09.2025 – FK Liepāja vs FC RFS – 19:00
• 29.09.2025 – BFC Daugavpils vs Riga FC – 18:00