Ventspils back at Latvian summit

An emotional Federico Martinez was on target as FK Ventspils clinched their fifth Latvian title with a 1-0 final-day defeat of FK Daugava Riga.

With Skonto FC trailing Ventpils by two points before kick-off, Jurģis Pučinsks's men needed to beat Daugava Riga to make sure Skonto could not overtake them. Although Ventspils struggled, Martinez was on hand to put the ball into the top corner from close range late in the first half, though as it turned out Skonto fell to their only defeat of the season 2-0 against FK Jelgava with the goals coming from Marcis Ošs and Romans Bespalovs.

"This is a great happiness," said coach Pučinsks. "The main reason for our victory is our players. All the praise should go to them primarily. I believe Ventspils are champions deservedly."

Pučinsks took over the 2011 champions the following May and has become the only Latvian coach to mastermind the domestic double in his first full season. "Am I the first? It is great of course, but I care about something different. About Ventspils becoming the best. At some point I saw that the team united and became one whole. It was then that I thought that this force deserve to be champions."

Martinez, who had an injury-hit season, added: "It is unbelievable. All year I looked sadly on as the lads took to the pitch while I was nursing my injuries. And on the last day of the season fate gave me a present like this golden goal. When I ran to celebrate it I just looked up to the sky and thanked God for this miracle."

FS Metta/LU defeated 2012 champions FC Daugava Daugavpils today but will still face the promotion/relegation play-offs. Ilūkstes NSS are relegated.