On Saturday evening, Valmiera FC travelled to Jaunmārupe in the LVBET League, where they faced Mārupes SC, a team that had not conceded a single goal so far this season. It was Valmiera who had the honor of ending that impressive defensive record, eventually taking home three points in a hard-fought and somewhat dramatic 3–2 victory.
“Don’t change a winning team” — one of football’s classic principles — is something head coach Gatis Kalniņš has clearly embraced. The same starting lineup that featured in previous matches took the field once again.
The opening goal came early. In the 9th minute, Mahmadou Dembele scored his fourth goal of the season after a pass from Vladimirs Stepanovs — 1–0. Valmiera continued to press hard, their attack rolling over the Mārupes defense like a steamroller. However, instead of more goals, the pressure resulted in injuries to several defenders and multiple yellow cards. A mix of bad luck and missed final passes prevented the visitors from extending their lead before halftime.
After the break, Valmiera’s dominance increased. In the 60th minute, Mārupes SC were reduced to ten men after Rinalds Sadovņikovs received his second yellow card. Just three minutes later, Rojs Bušs found Gleilson in the box, and the Brazilian made no mistake — 2–0.
But what followed was unexpected. Despite being a man down, Mārupes SC rallied, encouraged by their home supporters. In the 71st minute, Maksym Oliinyk pulled one back — 2–1. Soon after, Stepanovs restored Valmiera’s two-goal cushion — 3–1. However, the drama continued, as Reinis Krieviņš scored in the 80th minute to make it 3–2.
Mārupes SC nearly completed a remarkable comeback in stoppage time when Pīters Pauls Garais broke through on goal, but to everyone’s surprise, he missed the target. Moments later, referee Kārlis Rozītis blew the final whistle on a thrilling encounter.
As they say, the match will be forgotten, but the three points remain — and they are crucial for Valmiera in their close race at the top with FK Metta. The two teams will meet very soon, on May 2 at 18:00 in Riga at Futbola centrs “Rūpnīca”.
Before that, on April 26 at 14:00, Valmiera FC will host Rēzeknes FA at the Valmiera Olympic Centre. Entry to matches at this venue is free this season, while tickets (€5) are required for games at Jānis Daliņš Stadium.
Football is picking up pace — don’t miss it. See you at the stadium!
