Latvian striker Roberts Uldriķis recorded his first goal contribution since returning from a long-term injury, providing an assist as Arminia Bielefeld came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home against Holstein Kiel in the German 2. Bundesliga.
The 27-year-old forward featured in his second match since returning from an almost 11-month absence caused by a cruciate ligament rupture. In the previous round, Uldriķis made his comeback appearance away against Fortuna Düsseldorf, coming off the bench.
Against Holstein Kiel, Uldriķis again started on the substitutes’ bench as Arminia endured a difficult first half, going into the break trailing 0-2. Head coach turned to the Latvian striker in the 64th minute, sending him on for his second appearance of the season in Germany’s second tier.
Just minutes later, Arminia player Joel Grodowski won a penalty, which he converted himself to reduce the deficit. The visitors’ problems deepened as they were reduced to ten men.
With a numerical advantage, Arminia increased the pressure in search of an equaliser, and it arrived in the 87th minute. Uldriķis met a cross and cleverly flicked the ball on with his head into the danger area, where Noah Sarenren Bazee finished with a header to make it 2-2. The assist marked Uldriķis’ first point for goal involvement in the 2. Bundesliga.
In stoppage time, the hosts continued to push for a winner, but Holstein Kiel managed to hold firm, forcing Arminia to settle for a single point.
Arminia Bielefeld have now gone seven league matches without a win, their last victory coming on November 8. With 20 points from 19 matches, the club sits 12th in the table, though the standings remain extremely tight, with the same points total separating them from 16th place.
Uldriķis and Arminia will be back in action next Sunday, when they travel to face Dynamo Dresden.
