Latvia secured their place in UEFA Nations League C in dramatic fashion, defeating Gibraltar 1-0 in Rīga inside the Skonto Stadium and sealing a 2-0 aggregate victory thanks to a stoppage-time goal from captain Antonijs Černomordijs.
Head coach Paolo Nicolato made two changes to the side that played five days earlier in Gibraltar. Roberts Uldriķis returned to the starting lineup for the first time since November 2024, replacing first-leg scorer Vladislavs Gutkovskis in attack. Meanwhile, Roberts Savaļnieks came back from suspension and started on the right flank, allowing Raivis Jurkovskis to shift into a back-three role, with Daniels Balodis beginning on the bench.
On a cold evening in Riga, Latvia started cautiously. Gibraltar posed an early threat, with Tjay De Barr and James Scanlon leading the visitors’ attacking efforts. Goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics was called into action several times to keep the score level.
Latvia gradually grew into the match, creating opportunities mainly from set pieces. Jānis Ikaunieks came close with an acrobatic volley following a corner, but Gibraltar goalkeeper Jaylan Hankins reacted well to deny him. The hosts earned seven corners in the first half but failed to convert any of them.
Roberts Veips had two notable chances before halftime. His first effort from close range went just over the bar, while his second crossed the goal line. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a handball by Uldriķis right before the goal. The first half ended goalless, leaving the tie still open.
Latvia made a change at halftime, bringing on Daniels Balodis for Veips, but struggled to find rhythm early in the second half. With Gibraltar needing only one goal to level the aggregate score, the tension increased.
Seeking more attacking threat, Nicolato introduced Vladislavs Gutkovskis and Dario Šits in place of Uldriķis and Ikaunieks. The substitutions brought renewed energy, and Latvia began creating clearer chances. Gutkovskis and Renārs Varslavāns both came close within a short span, but finishing remained an issue.
Gibraltar also threatened late in the game, keeping the home crowd on edge. However, as stoppage time unfolded, Latvia found their breakthrough.
A strong run by Roberts Savaļnieks led to a decisive moment, as he delivered a pass into the penalty area. Antonijs Černomordijs reacted quickest, meeting the ball and calmly finishing past the goalkeeper to secure a 1-0 win on the night.
The victory ensures Latvia remain in Nations League C, where they will face Montenegro, Armenia, and Cyprus in the next campaign.
Latvia vs Gibraltar – 1-0 (0-0) 2-0 on aggregate
Goal: Černomordijs 90+4′
