Armenia Triumph 2-0 Over Latvia in Nations League Opener

Armenia secured a 2-0 victory over Latvia in the UEFA Nations League League C first round, marking a strong start to their campaign. The match, held on September 25, 2026, saw Armenia dominate possession and create numerous chances, ultimately sealing the win with goals from Georgiy Harutyunyan and Artur Gharibyan.

Armenia’s Dominance in the First Half

From the whistle, Armenia asserted control, pressing Latvia into their own half. Their efforts paid off in the 31st minute when Georgiy Harutyunyan found the back of the net, assisted by Eduard Spertsyan. The goal came after a sustained period of pressure, with Armenia’s midfield dictating the tempo. The home side continued to threaten, winning 10 corners and maintaining 56% possession by halftime.

Latvia’s Struggles to Respond

Latvia, despite their efforts to regroup, struggled to break through Armenia’s organized defense. Their only shot on target came in the second half, a testament to Armenia’s defensive solidity. Coach P. Nicolato made multiple substitutions in a bid to inject energy, but Armenia’s backline, marshaled by Jose Julio, held firm.

Armenia Seal the Win

Any lingering hopes of a Latvia comeback were dashed in the 75th minute when Artur Gharibyan doubled Armenia’s lead, finishing coolly after a setup by Zhirayr Shaghoyan. The goal capped off a performance that saw Armenia outshoot Latvia 14 to 5, with 4 shots on target compared to Latvia’s solitary attempt. Gharibyan’s introduction in the 69th minute proved decisive, as he made an immediate impact.

What’s Next for Armenia and Latvia

For Armenia, this victory sets a positive tone for their Nations League campaign, giving them momentum ahead of their next fixture. Latvia, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to avoid an early setback in the group. Both teams will look to build on this result as they navigate the challenges of League C.

Key Moments

31′ ⚽ Armenia — Georgiy Harutyunyan (assist: Eduard Spertsyan)

75′ ⚽ Armenia — Artur Gharibyan (assist: Zhirayr Shaghoyan)

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.