Rēķis last-second winner keeps Metta’s survival hopes alive

In the 34th round of the Latvian Virslīga, FK Metta secured a dramatic and vital victory in Jūrmala, defeating FK Auda 3-2 thanks to a last-second goal from Kristofers Rēķis. The three points could prove crucial in Metta’s fight to remain in the top division next season.

Both teams entered the match needing points for very different reasons. FK Auda were chasing a place in the top four, sitting four points behind fourth-placed BFC Daugavpils, while FK Metta were five points adrift of ninth-placed SK Super Nova in the relegation battle.

Auda, who face a massive Latvian Cup final against newly crowned champions Riga FC in just three days, opted to rest several regular starters, including goalkeeper Roberts Ozols and defender Ivan Erquiaga. Since the dismissal of Jurģis Kalns, French specialist Didier Zanetti has been leading the team from the touchline.

Although Auda appeared to take control early on, enjoying more possession, it was Metta who struck first. In the 25th minute, Aleksandrs Molotkovs unleashed a stunning long-range strike into the top corner, beating goalkeeper Niks Daniels Aleksandrovs to score his first-ever Virslīga goal – a crucial opener in such an important fixture.

Just when Metta seemed set to take a deserved lead into halftime, disaster struck in stoppage time. Bai Kamara conceded a needless penalty after fouling Enzo Monteiro inside the box in a harmless situation. The referee, who was seconds away from blowing the halftime whistle, pointed to the spot, and Eduards Dašķevičs coolly converted to make it 1-1 – a gut punch for Metta right before the break.

Early in the second half, Metta regained their advantage. Central defender Kārlis Vilnis surged forward down the flank and sent in a cross that eventually fell to Sadiq Saleh. His initial shot was blocked, but the ball rebounded to Daniils Činājevs, a Metta academy product, who fired home for his first-ever Virslīga goal, restoring the lead at 2-1.

However, heartbreak loomed again for Metta. In the 86th minute, Auda leveled the score with one of their few real chances of the match. A cross from the wing found Eduards Dašķevičs, who laid the ball off perfectly for Deniss Meļņiks. The Latvian international made no mistake from the edge of the box, firing past the keeper to make it 2-2.

Neither side was content with a draw – both pushed forward in search of a winner. And in a thrilling finale, it was Metta who found glory. In the dying seconds, Kristofers Rēķis broke free behind the defense, sprinted clear one-on-one, and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. The late winner sent Metta players and traveling ultras into absolute ecstasy, with fans storming the pitch to celebrate the stunning victory alongside their heroes.

The win dramatically improves FK Metta’s position in the relegation fight. They now sit just two points behind SK Super Nova and three behind FK Grobiņa. With two matches remaining – against FS Jelgava and FK Liepāja – coach Andris Riherts’ side likely need at least three more points to have a real shot at survival, depending on how their rivals fare in their remaining fixtures.

FK Metta vs FK Auda – 3:2 (1:1)
Goals: Molotkovs 25′, Činajevs 53′, Rēķis 90+4′ | Dašķevičs 45+3′ Meļņiks 86′

Virslīga Matchday 34:

• 24.10.2025 – Riga FC vs FK Tukums 2000 – 0:0
• 25.10.2025 – BFC Daugavpils vs SK Super Nova – 2:2
• 25.10.2025 – FK Liepāja vs FS Jelgava – 2:2
• 26.10.2025 – FK Metta vs FK Auda – 3:2
• 26.10.2025 – FC RFS vs FK Grobiņa – 16:00