---
title: "Latvia end Nations League campaign without a win after goalless draw against Armenia"
date: 2026-11-15T16:19:30Z
lang: en
author: "Janis Vitols"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/latvia-end-nations-league-campaign-without-a-win-after-goalless-draw-against-armenia/
categories: ["Latvia", "UEFA Nations League"]
---

# Latvia end Nations League campaign without a win after goalless draw against Armenia
**Latvia concluded their UEFA Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Armenia at Skonto Stadium in Rīga. Despite creating several promising opportunities, Paolo Nicolato’s side were unable to find a breakthrough and finished bottom of Group C2 with just two points from six matches, failing to register a single victory.**

Nicolato made three changes to his starting lineup compared to Thursday’s 2-1 defeat against Montenegro. With Deniss Meļņiks unavailable through injury, Daniels Balodis was handed a starting role in central defence, while Vladislavs Gutkovskis replaced Roberts Uldriķis in attack. Roberts Savaļnieks also returned to the starting eleven in place of Raivis Andris Jurkovskis.

The opening minutes were rather chaotic, with both teams struggling to establish any rhythm and making several mistakes in possession. Oskars Vientiess received an early yellow card, giving Armenia a free-kick opportunity in a dangerous position, but Latvia goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics was alert to make the save.

As the match progressed, Latvia gradually settled into the contest and began creating opportunities. Their first significant chance arrived in the 25th minute when a corner eventually fell to Lūkass Vapne outside the penalty area. The midfielder unleashed a curling effort towards the far corner, but Armenia goalkeeper Aleksandr Mishiev produced an excellent save to deny him his first senior international goal.

Latvia increased the pressure as the first half progressed. In the 35th minute, Eduards Dašķevičs delivered a cross from the right flank that found Antonijs Černomordijs inside the penalty area. The Latvia captain attempted a first-time finish, but Mishiev was once again well positioned to make the save.

Despite enjoying promising spells in possession, Latvia struggled to draw fouls in attacking areas, with their first foul won coming only in the 39th minute when Dmitrijs Zelenkovs was brought down.

Both goalkeepers were called into action again towards the end of the first half. Gutkovskis tested Mishiev with two efforts from distance, while Armenia threatened on the counter-attack through Narek Grigoryan. The Armenian forward received the ball in a crowded penalty area and managed to shoot from close range, but Matrevics covered his near post brilliantly to keep the scores level at half-time.

Latvia emerged with renewed energy after the interval and immediately earned a free-kick in a promising position, although Savaļnieks’ attempt was blocked by the Armenian defence.

Dašķevičs looked particularly lively on the right flank, causing problems with his pace and attacking runs. The winger attempted to test the Armenian goalkeeper, but the visitors gradually managed to contain Latvia’s early second-half pressure.

The hosts nevertheless created one of their best opportunities of the match when Gutkovskis forced Mishiev into a save. The goalkeeper could only parry the initial effort into the path of Andrejs Cigaņiks, but the Latvian was unable to convert the rebound as Mishiev recovered superbly to make another crucial stop.

Latvia continued to threaten during a productive attacking spell. Central defender Balodis ventured forward into the Armenian penalty area and attempted a shot from a tight angle, but Mishiev denied him as well, turning the ball behind for a corner.

Armenia also created opportunities of their own, but Matrevics remained reliable between the posts. Both goalkeepers were among the standout performers, with the Latvian making seven saves and his Armenian counterpart recording nine to preserve the goalless scoreline.

Despite the lack of a breakthrough, Nicolato remained patient with his starting eleven and made his first substitution only in the 82nd minute, introducing Uldriķis in place of Gutkovskis.

Further changes followed in stoppage time, with Maksims Toņiševs and Kristers Grabovskis entering the pitch, but neither side managed to create a decisive opportunity in the closing moments.

The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw, bringing an end to a disappointing Nations League campaign for Latvia. Nicolato’s side finished bottom of Group C2 with two points from six matches, both earned through goalless home draws against Cyprus and Armenia.