Lithuania A Lyga – Review of Round 18

October 2 & 3, 2020

Friday 2^nd October

FK Riteriai 4-0 FK Banga Gargdzai ( att : 122 )

Saturday 3^rd October

FK Kauno Zalgiris 0-1 FK Zalgiris ( att : 250 )

FK Panevezys 1-1 FK Suduva ( att : 620 )

The Lithuanian A-Lyga title battle took another twist this weekend. First, FK Zalgiris kept their challenge on track, and in doing so eliminated any lingering hopes of Kauno, with a gritty and slightly lucky 1-0 away win. They took a fortunate lead in the 9^th minute when Kaluderovic’s shot was well saved by Kauno keeper Mikelionis but the rebound bounced off the unwitting Vaitkunas for an unfortunate own goal.

In a game of few chances Zalgiris had the better of the rest of the half but Kauno improved after the break. However, they were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities and the loose balls didn’t fall kindly. Antal had a great chance to double the lead with 15 minutes to play but volleyed wildly over when clear and with more time than he thought he had. In a frantic finish as Kauno pressed for the equalizer, a  far post goal bound header from Vaitkunas appeared to strike the defender standing on the line on the arm before rebounding to safety. The referee waved play on and in the ensuing protests Kauno saw Rudinilson sent-off, for the second consecutive match against Zalgiris.

Later, FK Suduva unexpectedly dropped points at lowly Panevezys, who had never even taken a point from the champions in all their eight previous meetings. Suduva had a great opportunity early own when Panevezys keeper Broetto was caught in possession and gave away a penalty, but Tadic’s spot kick crashed off the bar and to safety.

Suduva were shocked in the 37^th minute when Cerkauskas’ clever header put Elivelto clear and he made no mistake from 10 yards to give Panevezys an unexpected lead.

Suduva pressed relentlessly thereafter but Panevezys gave perhaps their most disciplined performance of the season. Eventually the pressure told and Kerla’s teasing cross gave Tadic a simple header for the equaliser with just over 20 minutes to play. Although Suduva dominated the final phases, they were unable to create any danger and Panevezys deservedly held on for a point.

In the other mainly meaningless match Riteriai redeemed themselves after last week’s 1-7 thrashing at Suduva by hammering Banga 4-0 to end a 15 games winless run, and as a result moved off the bottom of the six team table. Banga had only once previously conceded more than two goals in a match this season.

Whilst Kauno are now eliminated from the title race, FK Zalgiris still have their destiny in their own hands for if they can win their final two matches, away to Banga Gargdzai and at home to Suduva they would win the title irrespective of Suduva’s other result by virtue of a better head-to-head record against Suduva ( being won 2, drew 1, lost 1 ).

Suduva will also need to win at Banga, win at home to Kauno and avoid defeat at Zalgiris. In the meantime there is also a cup semi-final between Zalgiris and Suduva on October 17^th, with the other semi being between Panevezys and Ritteriai.

Next Matches :

A Lyga

Saturday 10^th October

Banga Gargdzai vs FK Suduva

Tuesday 20^th October

 Banga Gargdzai vs FK Zalgiris

FK Riteriai vs FK Panevezys

FK Kauno Zalgiris vs FK Suduva

Lithuania Cup Semi-Finals ( Saturday 17^th October )

FK Zalgiris vs FK Suduva

FK Panevezys vs FK Riteriai