Review of Lithuania A Lyga – Round 19 and Cup Semi-Finals

October 10, 17 & 20, 2020

Saturday 10^th October

Banga Gargdzai 1-2 FK Suduva ( att : 241 )

Tuesday 20^th October

Banga Gargdzai 0-4 FK Zalgiris ( att : 600 )

FK Suduva 1-1 FK Kauno Zalgiris ( att : 621 )

FK Zalgiris kept the destiny of the A-Lyga title in their own hands after an emphatic win over Banga. Serbian centre back Ivan Tatomirovic opened the scoring in the 12^th minute, reacting quickly when the ball fell kindly at his feet from a corner. 

Two goals within a minute midway through the second half secured the points, Antal’s bouncing volley evaded keeper Driomovas then Videmont cut in from the left to send a right footed shot across the face of the goal and into the corner of the net. After this Zalgiris ran riot and could have scored 6 or 7 but added just one more goal. For most of the season Banga had looked secure in fourth position, and a potential place in Europe, but a run of just 2 points from 7 games has put that in jeopardy as Panevezys will overtake them by winning their last two matches.

Kauno put up a spirited display to take a point at Suduva. A needless handball by Salamon was just the ticket for Busman to give Kauno the lead from the penalty spot. Sirgedas nearly doubled the lead but his shot after a long run came back from the post. However, Suduva were on level terms just before half-time when Argentine Nicolas Gorobsov’s long range free-kick left the Kauno keeper helpless. Even though Suduva had the better of the second half, they were unable to fashion a single clear-cut chance, and Kauno were full value for their point.

Previously, two goals from Latvian forward Valerijs Sabala secured an important victory for Suduva at Banga, despite playing the last 25 minutes with 10 men after a second yellow card to Slavickas.

Final Matches

Wednesday 28^th October

FK Riteriai vs FK Panevezys ( 18.30 local/16.30 UK )

Sunday 31^st October

FK Zalgiris vs FK Suduva ( 17.00 local/15.00 UK )

FK Paneveyzs vs FK Banga Gargdzai vs ( 17.00 local/15.00 UK )

FK Kauno Zalgiris vs FK Riteriai ( 17.00 local/15.00 UK )

Suduva’s failure to beat Kauno didn’t affect their requirements on the final matchday to retain their title. Even if they had won, Zalgiris would still win the league should they beat Suduva thanks to a better head to head record between the two sides.

In Summary, a win for Zalgiris means they win the league. Suduva will win the league if the match is drawn or they win for Suduva !

Earlier in the season Zalgiris were triumphant 4-0 at home to Suduva, although the recent Cup Semi-Final was level after 90 minutes, with Suduva clinching victory in extra-time ( see below ). 

Lithuania Cup Semi-Finals

FK Zalgiris 1-2 FK Suduva ( Saturday 17^th October )

Suduva booked their ticket to the cup final, and perhaps the psychological advantage for the last day title decider, with a win in extra time at Zalgiris. After an uneventful 90 minutes, Zalgiris took the lead in the first minute of extra time when veteran Serb striker Andrija Kaluderovic rose above Jankauskas to head home. Zalgiris had barely finished celebrating when Tadic showed he is also useful in the air, powering home the equaliser from around 14 yards. Zalgiris should have been aware of Kerla’s aerial prowess, having scored with two headers in the last meeting between the two side, but in added on time in the first extra period the Bosnian was able to outjump two defenders and the keeper to give Suduva the lead.

Zalgiris pressed to get back on terms and Suduva full-back Klimavicius sacrificed himself with an obvious red card with 4 minutes left, bringing down Antal just outside the area when the Romanian looked to be getting clear. As the clock ticked down Mikoliunas shot inches wide, and with seconds remaining a melee saw Kaluderovic shown a straight red card.

FK Panevezys 4-0 FK Riteriai ( Tuesday 20^th October )

In what beforehand looked to be an even match-up, Panevezys were perhaps even more dominant than the 4-0 score line might indicate. They led only 1-0 at half-time, Eliosius forcing the ball over the line after the Riteriai keeper got a hand to Floro’s powerful drive, but they created and missed several good chances. The score remained 1-0 until just over 20 minutes left to play but a flurry of three goals in nine minutes gave a better indication of how the match had gone. Ritteriai were poor.

Final : FK Panevezys vs FK Suduva ( Saturday 24^th October )

The final is being played in Panevezys, tickets are 8 Euros.