FK Kauno Žalgiris returned from the international break in style, securing a convincing 3-1 win over FA Šiauliai and moving to within touching distance of their first-ever A Lyga championship.
Heading into this match, Kauno Žalgiris held a ten-point lead over second-placed FC Hegelmann. With just five games remaining in the season, the Kaunas side needed only five points to be crowned champions for the first time in club history. Friday’s clash against FA Šiauliai offered the perfect opportunity to take the first big step.
For Šiauliai, led by Dainius Kazakevičius, this was a crucial game in the race for a top-three finish and a return to European competition next season. However, Kauno Žalgiris had been a tough opponent for them all year, with two defeats and a draw in their previous meetings. In their most recent encounter in August, Nojus Stankevičius rescued a point for Šiauliai with his first goal for the club.
The match in Kaunas began with a flurry of chances for the hosts. Fabien Ourega forced an early save from Gustas Baliutavičius, who also denied a dangerous strike from Amine Benchaib shortly after.
Šiauliai came close in the 26th minute when Eligijus Jankauskas, leading a quick counterattack after a turnover, fired narrowly off target. But just eight minutes later, a defensive error from Danielius Jarašius allowed Benchaib to capitalize, giving Kauno Žalgiris a 1-0 lead.
Temur Chogadze nearly doubled the advantage, but both his effort and a second-half strike from Fedor Černych were stopped by the in-form Baliutavičius. In the 56th minute, FA Šiauliai pressed high and forced a mistake, with Jankauskas netting his 16th goal of the season to level the score at 1-1.
The joy was short-lived. Immediately after the restart, Benchaib struck again – his 14th goal of the season – to restore Kaunas’ lead. Just minutes later, in the 63rd, the Belgian turned provider, assisting Ourega to make it 3-1.
Under coach Eivinas Černiauskas, Kauno Žalgiris now sit at the top of the table with 71 points. If Hegelmann fail to win tomorrow against FK Riteriai, Kauno Žalgiris will be officially crowned the new A Lyga champions. Should Hegelmann claim victory, Kaunas will have a golden opportunity to secure the title themselves in their next match – a derby clash against former champions FK Žalgiris.
FK Kauno Žalgiris vs FA Šiauliai – 3:1 (1:0)
Goals: Benchaib 34′ 57′, Ourega 63′ | Jankauskas 56′
A Lyga Matchday 31:
17.10.2025 – FK Kauno Žalgiris vs FA Šiauliai – 3:1
18.10.2025 – FK Banga Gargždai vs FK Paņevežys – 15:00
18.10.2025 – DFK Dainava Alytus vs FK Žalgiris – 16:00
18.10.2025 – FK Riteriai vs FC Hegelmann – 18:00
18.10.2025 – FC Džiugas Telšiai vs FK Sūduva – 18:25
| # | Club | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Kauno Žalgiris | 35 | 22 | 8 | 5 | 41 | 74 |
| 2 | Hegelmann FC | 35 | 20 | 4 | 11 | 12 | 64 |
| 3 | FK Žalgiris | 35 | 17 | 11 | 7 | 15 | 62 |
| 4 | FK Sūduva | 35 | 15 | 14 | 6 | 13 | 59 |
| 5 | FA Šiauliai | 35 | 14 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 51 |
| 6 | FK Panevėžys | 35 | 13 | 7 | 15 | 5 | 46 |
| 7 | FC Džiugas Telšiai | 35 | 13 | 6 | 16 | -8 | 45 |
| 8 | FK Banga Gargždai | 35 | 11 | 8 | 16 | 2 | 41 |
| 9 | FK Riteriai | 35 | 6 | 7 | 22 | -37 | 25 |
| 10 | DFK Dainava Alytus | 35 | 3 | 8 | 24 | -49 | 17 |
