Potentially the final match of this season at the Valmiera Olympic Center stadium – Valmiera FC against the 2023 champion RFS. Duel that did not disappoint any of the spectators present, active football from the first to the last minute, and a 2-0 victory in the end.
The game’s first minutes belonged to the Valmiera FC team, several dangerous attacks at once, but the ball had no plan to find a place in the goal. Excellent chances, but Meissa Diop could not hit the frame, and then Jeremy Porsan-Clemente also missed. RFS’s answer came smoothly, and Davis Oss demonstrated his abilities. The scenario was repeated several times, where one of the teams shot at the goal, but the goalkeepers of the game always showed themselves perfectly, and that’s how the first half ended.
The second half continued to show an active, even wave-like duel, but the lead was quickly achieved. Lukas Vapne’s long pass to Jeremy, who received the ball on the flank, broke through to the penalty area and without thinking sent the ball into the far, upper corner of the goal, putting the home team in the lead. A few minutes later, another excellent chance from a narrow-angle – the RFS goalkeeper was able to save.
In the further part of the game, the script did not change, both teams attacked, the visitors tried to fight back, and Valmiera tried to double the advantage. In the 73rd minute, Diop tripped in the penalty area – a yellow card for him. The VAR system also played its role in the game – a long pause in video viewing, after which the referee went to check the episode. After a while, he was forced to change his decision. The yellow card was overturned, and a penalty kick was awarded to the RFS goal. Alioune Ndoye grabbed the ball and left no hope for Jevgenijs Nerugals.
In the remaining time, the defense had to be strengthened, Kristers Alekseiciks entered the field, while RFS tried to change the course of the game by switching on another gear. Meanwhile, Valmiera was aiming for counterattacks. Chances for both teams, but the score remained the same. On the scoreboard 2:0, that meant Valmiera FC beat the 2023 champions for the second time at the beginning of the season without conceding a goal in both duels.
We will play our next game on Friday (10.05) when we will compete against Riga FC at Skonto Stadium. The game starts at 20:00.
