Latvian striker Raimonds Krollis was on the scoresheet in the Czech top division, netting a dramatic late equaliser to earn Slovan Liberec a 1-1 away draw against Dukla Prague, the club of fellow Latvian international goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics.
The two players, who in 2022 were main figures in Valmiera FC’s historic title-winning Virslīga campaign, faced each other for the first time in Czech football, as in their teams’ previous meeting in August, Krollis remained on the bench as Liberec won 2-0.
This time, both Latvians were named in the starting XI. Krollis picked up a yellow card in the opening minutes, and shortly after Dukla believed they had taken the lead – only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review. Dukla eventually broke the deadlock near halftime through 18-year-old Czech talent Michal Kroupa.
Liberec pushed relentlessly for an equaliser throughout the second half, and their pressure finally paid off in the dying moments of the match. A cross into the penalty area found Krollis, who produced a perfectly guided header into the bottom corner, leaving Matrevics with no chance and rescuing a valuable point for the visitors.
The goal was Krollis’ fourth of the season, and his recent form has been excellent. Since the beginning of November, he has registered three goals and two assists in his last five matches. Overall, this was his 14th appearance of the season in the Czech top flight.
Matrevics, meanwhile, continues to be a reliable figure for Dukla Prague. The Latvian goalkeeper made his 15th league appearance of the campaign and has already recorded four clean sheets this season.
Following the draw, Slovan Liberec remain in fourth place in the standings, four points behind second-placed Sparta Prague. Dukla Prague, on the other hand, sit near the bottom of the table in 14th place with 14 points in a 16-team league.
Both teams will play their final matches before the winter break next week. Dukla Prague will travel to face Viktoria Plzeň, while Liberec are set for a tough away clash against Sparta Prague.
