Žalgiris stay perfect under Džiaukštas with a win over Riteriai

In Lithuania’s A Lyga Round 29, FK Žalgiris continued their strong resurgence under new head coach Rolandas Džiaukštas, defeating FK Riteriai 2-0.

After a disastrous start to the season, Žalgiris have now become serious contenders for a top-three finish with eight rounds to go. Coming off an away win against FK Banga Gargždai, they faced bottom-half side Riteriai in Vilnius. Džiaukštas made just one change from the previous lineup, giving Motiejus Burba a start while South Sudanese forward Machop Chol returned to the bench.

Riteriai, who still sit only one point above last-place Dainava Alytus, entered the match after a heavy 1-6 defeat to league leaders FK Kauno Žalgiris just five days earlier. The team welcomed back Jonas Usavičius from suspension, while captain Armandas Šveistrys returned to the starting XI after two matches coming off the bench.

The visitors started energetically, while Žalgiris looked to threaten from distance. Riteriai’s compact defense held firm until the 38th minute, when Žalgiris capitalized from a set piece. Bruno Tavares whipped in a cross, and center-back Luka Dumančić rose highest to glance the ball into the corner, netting his third goal of the season.

Early in the second half, Žalgiris doubled their advantage. Full-back Joris Moutachy dazzled on the right wing and delivered a precise cross to Liviu Antal, who headed home from close range for his sixth goal of the campaign.

With a two-goal cushion, Žalgiris slowed down, and Riteriai began pushing forward. Substitute Andrius Kaulinis made an impact, nearly scoring his first goal since March 7 – when he had struck twice against Žalgiris – but his powerful effort from outside the box was denied by a superb leap from goalkeeper Carlos Olses.

Riteriai created several dangerous set-piece opportunities in the closing stages but failed to convert, allowing Žalgiris to preserve the clean sheet and maintain their perfect record under Džiaukštas.

This victory lifts Žalgiris into joint third place, level on 46 points with both FA Šiauliai and long-time occupants FK Sūduva. Riteriai, meanwhile, remain in ninth, just a single point above DFK Dainava Alytus.

Next up, Riteriai host FA Šiauliai next Saturday in a crucial relegation battle, while Žalgiris face a decisive showdown against direct rivals FK Sūduva in ten days’ time.

FK Riteriai vs FK Žalgiris – 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: Dumančic 37′, Antal 55′

A Lyga Matchday 29:

• 19.09.2025 – DFK Dainava Alytus vs FA Šiauliai – 0:3
• 19.09.2025 – FK Riteriai vs FK Žalgiris – 0:2
• 21.09.2025 – FK Paņevežys vs FC Hegelmann – 17:00
• 21.09.2025 – FK Kauno Žalgiris vs FC Džiugas Telšiai – 17:00
• 21.09.2025 – FK Banga Gargždai vs FK Sūduva – 18:25