Ventspils down Skonto to retain Latvian title

FK Ventspils are Latvian champions for the the third time in four years after winning their title decider 4-2 at Skonto FC.

Leading Skonto by six points with three games to go at kick-off, Ventspils knew victory would seal a second straight championship, and sixth overall. Cheikh Saad Bouh Diagne gave the visitors a half-time lead and although Vladislavs Gutkovskis equalised, by the time he scored again late on, Simonas Paulius, Ģirts Karlsons and Ahmed Abdultaofik had put the game beyond Skonto.

"There's really not much to say," Ventspils coach Jurģis Pučinskas said. "We are really happy. The team did what we had to do. It was a tough match as Skonto are really strong opponents. But we came to Riga for a victory. When the score was level, I saw how motivated my players are. The draw would not satisfy us. And that's why we are champions now."

Ventspils goalkeeper and captain Maksims Uvarenko added: "It was a hard match. Skonto were dangerous, and this victory took a lot of effort. I have to thank our fans, who helped us a lot."

Skonto will now fight for silver – they are a point ahead of third-placed FK Jelgava, while FC Daugava Daugavpils and FK Liepāja are also in the UEFA Europa League hunt.