Valmiera/BSS and Metta/Luxembourg played out a 2:2 draw in the 19th round of the 1st League on Saturday. Both sides arrived with identical records — 15 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat — sitting on 48 points each. The result keeps them level at the top of the table.
Valmiera/BSS took the lead first, G. Lopes finding the net in the 22nd minute. Metta/Luxembourg responded quickly, R. Klavinskis scoring twice in the second half of the first period. He opened the scoring in the 36th minute before adding a second just before the break in the 44th.
By then Metta/Luxembourg were ahead 2:1, but Valmiera/BSS refused to sit back. F. Kairmani pulled one back early in the second half, the 49th minute. The match opened up after that, and it was not long before things came to a head on the pitch.
Valmiera/BSS were reduced to ten men in the 68th minute when V. Stepanovs received a second yellow card and was shown red. He had already been cautioned earlier in the same incident. Metta/Luxembourg held their shape and saw it out to ensure the point.
Both teams enter this phase of the season with momentum. Valmiera/BSS have won their last four across all competitions, including a 6:1 away victory over Rezekne. Metta/Luxembourg have also been strong, though they dropped points in a 1:4 loss to Riga in mid-August.
With 19 games played and 48 points each, the title race remains wide open. The gap between them and anything in third place has not been tested yet. This draw means neither side can afford to slip now.