Latvian Cup holders FK Auda booked their place in the semi-finals after surviving a dramatic encounter against FK Grobiņa, overcoming two red cards before Tin Hrvoj’s extra-time winner secured a thrilling 3-2 victory.
The other three quarter-finals had produced expected results, with BFC Daugavpils, Riga FC and RFS all progressing comfortably. For much of the game, it appeared Auda would also enjoy a routine evening.
The hosts took control midway through the opening period, scoring twice within five minutes. Jevgeņijs Miņins opened the scoring before Barthelemy Diedhiou doubled the advantage to give Auda a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
Everything changed shortly after the restart. Defender Moussa Ouedraogo was shown a straight red card, reducing Auda to ten men, and Grobiņa immediately took advantage. In the 63rd minute, Dodo’s free-kick struck the defensive wall, wrong-footing goalkeeper Nils Puriņš as the deflected effort found the net. Just minutes later, Puriņš gifted possession to Milan Corryn, who calmly equalised to make it 2-2.
Auda’s problems worsened in the 86th minute when Ralfs Kragliks brought down a Grobiņa attacker, receiving a straight red card and leaving the cup holders with just nine men. Despite holding a two-man advantage, Grobiņa failed to find a winner in normal time, sending the tie into extra time.
The momentum shifted again during the additional period. Grobiņa were themselves reduced to ten men after Serbian defender Aleksa Jovanovic was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Eduards Dašķevičs. Although the visitors still had a numerical advantage, Auda produced the decisive moment in the 113th minute. Dašķevičs combined brilliantly with Tin Hrvoj, whose composed finish over Roberts Ozols restored Auda’s lead and ultimately sealed their place in the last four.
Auda continue their defence of the Latvian Cup and become the fourth semi-finalist. Meanwhile, Grobiņa have once again been eliminated from the competition by the reigning holders, having also lost to Auda in last season’s round of 16.
FK Auda vs FK Grobiņa – 3-2 A.E.T (2-0)
Goals: Miņins 20′, Diedhiou 25′, Hrvoj 113′ | Dodo 63′, Corryn 65′
