Latvian striker Raimonds Krollis found the net for the sixth time this season in the Czech top flight, helping Slovan Liberec secure a 2-1 victory over 1. FC Slovacko in an important clash for a place in the top six.
The 24-year-old forward, who missed the recent international window with the Latvian national team due to a minor injury, was available today in the starting lineup for this crucial fixture. Having not scored in 2026 prior to this match – his last goal coming in December against Sparta Prague – Krollis made his mark in the 36th minute.
After a cross from the right flank, Krollis produced an excellent header, directing the ball into the net to give Liberec the lead. However, the advantage did not last long, as Slovácko responded quickly to level the score.
The decisive moment came in the second half, when another player with ties to Latvian football stepped up. Midfielder Toumani Diakite – who joined Liberec last summer from BFC Daugavpils – scored his first goal in Czech top-flight securing the win for the hosts.
Liberec held on to claim all three points, maintaining their position in the top five with 42 points. Krollis made his 21st league appearance of the season, now tallying six goals and two assists. He played the full match and also picked up a yellow card.
Looking ahead, Liberec will travel to face MFK Karviná next Sunday.
Elsewhere, it was a less successful round for other Latvian players in the Czech Republic. Kristers Penkevics came off the bench in the 58th minute for FC Zlín, but his side suffered a 0-3 defeat against FK Jablonec. It marked his second appearance for the club since joining in January.
Meanwhile, Latvian national team goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics remained on the bench as Dukla Prague fell 0-2 at home to FK Pardubice.
In the standings, Zlín currently sit 10th with 31 points, relatively clear of relegation danger. In contrast, Dukla remain bottom of the table with 19 points from 27 matches, three points behind the nearest team as they continue their fight to avoid relegation.
