Valmiera FC secure Virslīga promotion play-off spot

The 2026 Latvian LVBET league (second tier) season concluded on Saturday, with Valmiera FC securing second place and a chance to return to the Virslīga after defeating Skanste 3-2 at home. Meanwhile, Riga Mariners claimed third place for the second consecutive season following a 2-1 victory over direct rivals Leevon/PPK, while already-crowned champions FK Metta finished their campaign with a convincing win against Mārupe.

Metta had already secured the championship and automatic promotion to the Virslīga last weekend, leaving the battles for second and third place as the main attractions of the final round.

Heading into the decisive fixtures, Valmiera held a one-point advantage over Riga Mariners, who themselves were just two points ahead of fourth-placed Leevon/PPK.

Valmiera entered their final match against Skanste knowing that victory would guarantee second place and a spot in the promotion/relegation play-offs against Virslīga side FK Tukums 2000.

The hosts made an excellent start, taking the lead in the tenth minute through Mahamadou Dembele. However, Skanste responded in the 37th minute when Latvia U17 international Deivids Baltrušaitis equalised.

Valmiera needed less than a minute to restore their advantage, with Dembele scoring his second goal of the afternoon to make it 2-1 before half-time.

Midway through the second half, Steimaks extended Valmiera’s lead to 3-1, putting the hosts firmly in control. However, Skanste reduced the deficit just three minutes later, setting up a tense finish.

Valmiera successfully protected their narrow advantage to secure a 3-2 victory and finish second in the standings. They will now face ninth-placed Virslīga side Tukums 2000 over two legs, with a place in Latvia’s top division in 2027 at stake.

Meanwhile, Riga Mariners hosted Leevon/PPK in a direct battle for third place, with both teams still hoping to finish the season on the podium.

After a goalless first half, the hosts took control midway through the second period, scoring twice within ten minutes to establish a 2-0 advantage.

Leevon/PPK managed to pull one goal back, but Riga Mariners held on to secure a 2-1 victory and third place for the second consecutive season. The defeat left Leevon/PPK fourth in the final standings.

At the bottom of the table, long-serving First League side Rēzekne were relegated to the third tier, while JFK Ventspils were confirmed as the second automatically relegated team following the final round of fixtures.