Stalemate in silence: FK Žalgiris held to 0-0 draw by Linfield

Following a deeply disappointing exit in the first round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, marked by internal chaos and a deteriorating relationship between the club’s supporters and management, FK Žalgiris Vilnius continued their European campaign in the 2025/26 season. This time, they faced the champions of Northern Ireland, Linfield FC. 

The match was noticeably subdued, with the stadium atmosphere unusually quiet. The club’s ultras group, “PIETŲ IV”, was largely absent as they continued their protest against FK Žalgiris president Vilma Venslovaitienė. Their silence was soon explained when, in the 9th minute, a massive banner was unfurled reading: “Our silence was paid by Vilma.” The message echoed the ongoing frustration directed at the club’s leadership. Moments later, the group left the stands entirely.

The starting XI featured several unexpected choices. With Radunović suspended, Yuri Kendysh was forced to drop into the center-back role. Meanwhile, the inclusions of Mohamed Youla and Machop Chol raised a few eyebrows. These changes were part of a bold tactical shift by head coach Vladimir Cheburin, who opted for a three-defender formation, deploying Bruno Tavares and Joris Moutachy as wing-backs.

The game’s first real threat came in the 14th minute, when Moutachy found himself in the box and fired a dangerous shot on target, only to be denied. Seconds later, he had another attempt, but again, the ball failed to find the net.

Linfield, however, showed composure and structure in their attack, creating several classic “British-style” chances in the opening half through set pieces, crosses, and corners.

By the end of the first half, Žalgiris had recorded 10 attempts, with four on target. The standout moment remained Moutachy’s double chance early in the half.

Off the pitch, the silence was deafening. With the ultras absent and the small group of Linfield supporters making little noise, the match unfolded in an almost eerie atmosphere, starkly contrasting with the usual energy of European nights.

The second half offered little improvement in terms of excitement, as both teams traded half-chances without producing anything truly threatening. The game continued in the same sluggish rhythm, lacking intensity and clear-cut opportunities.

Giedrius Matulevičius, widely regarded as the brightest Lithuanian talent in last season’s A Lyga and expected to be a key figure for FK Žalgiris this campaign, only entered the pitch in the 75th minute. His late appearance raised concerns among fans about his fitness and current form.

In the end, the opening leg in Vilnius concluded in a goalless 0–0 draw. As many FK Žalgiris supporters had feared, the team showed little sign of meaningful progress in their style of play or cohesion.

Tensions flared even further after the final whistle, as fans began chanting “Cheburin OUT”, a clear message of discontent toward head coach Vladimir Cheburin. The calls for change underscored the increasingly critical atmosphere surrounding the club.

FK Žalgiris vs Linfield FC – 0:0 (0:0)
ŽAL: C.Olses, M.Youla, Y.Kendysh, L.Dumancic, B.Tavares, J.Moutachy, D.Salcinovic (G.Matulevičius 75’), E.Ofori, O.Verbickas, M.Chol (K.Hadji 64’), L.Antal (H.Devens 85’)
LIN: C.Johns, M.Orr, S.Roscoe, E.East (S.Whiteside 41’), E.McGee, C.Shields, J.Mulgrew (K.McClean 85’), J.Archer, K.Millar, M.Fitzpatrick, K.Offord