The new LVBet Futbola līga season – Latvia’s second tier – opening round continued today with an eventful games, as FK Metta, Valmiera FC, and Riga Mariners all celebrated victories on Saturday.
The campaign had already begun a day earlier, when SK Super Nova II defeated last season’s runners-up JDFS Alberts 2-1, setting the tone for an unpredictable start to the season.
In one of Saturday’s early matches, last year’s bronze medallists Riga Mariners secured a narrow 1-0 away win over JFK Ventspils, thanks to a goal from Ghanaian forward Richmond Owusu.
Meanwhile in Tukums, relegated FK Metta began their push for an immediate return to the Virslīga with a strong performance against FK Tukums 2000 II. Coached by Andris Riherts, Metta made a fast start, taking control inside the opening 15 minutes with goals from Nigerian forward Sadiq Saleh and young Latvian Olivers Dzenītis. Tukums managed to respond through Rems Gastons Dzenītis, but Metta sealed the win in the second half when Jelgava academy product Kevins Cēsnieks found the net.
The standout match of the day came in the evening, where Valmiera FC staged an impressive comeback to defeat Riga FC II away from home. The hosts, who featured Brazilian additions Abner and Juan Coelho, took the lead through Ukrainian striker Nazar Prudchenko. However, Gatis Kalniņš’ Valmiera side responded with goals from Rojs Bušs and Mahamadou Dembele, before Japanese midfielder Wataru Abe sealed the victory late on.
The opening round of the LVBet Futbola līga will conclude on Sunday with three more matches.
LVBet Futbola līga Matchday 1:
20.03 20:00 — SK Super Nova 2 vs Alberts JDFS (2–1)
21.03 16:00 — JFK Ventspils vs Riga Mariners (0–1)
21.03 16:00 — FK Tukums 2000 2 vs FK Metta (1–3)
21.03 18:00 — Riga FC 2 vs Valmiera FC (1–3)
22.03 13:00 — Skanstes SK vs Leevon PPK
22.03 14:00 — Mārupes SC vs Rezekne
22.03 18:00 — RFS 2 vs FK Smiltene
