Dainava Alytus officially relegated from A Lyga; Sūduva takes advantage of two red cards from champions

The 33rd round of Lithuania’s A Lyga concluded today with FC Hegelmann defeating DFK Dainava Alytus – a result that sealed Dainava’s relegation to the second tier after three consecutive seasons in the top flight. Meanwhile, FK Sūduva kept their European hopes alive with a dramatic 1-0 win over newly crowned champions FK Kauno Žalgiris.

Dainava entered the match knowing that only a win would keep their slim survival hopes alive. However, their task was a tough one – facing second-placed Hegelmann, who were still in need of points for securing the league’s silver medals. Earlier this season, Dainava had pulled off a surprise 1-0 win over Hegelmann in Alytus, courtesy of Polish striker Krystian Okoniewski, but history didn’t repeat itself this time.

Hegelmann took control early on, as full-back Carlos Duke opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a powerful long-range strike. Dainava had opportunities to equalize before halftime, but Hegelmann’s goalkeeper Vincentas Šarkauskas – recently called up to the Lithuanian national team – stood firm.

In the second half, Dainava enjoyed more possession and created several chances, yet it was Hegelmann who struck again. After a costly defensive mistake, midfielder Donatas Kazlauskas pounced to double the lead and effectively end Dainava’s hopes. Despite their spirited performance, Mergen Orazov’s side could not find a breakthrough and will return to Pirma Lyga next season after a three-year stay in the A Lyga.

The victory was crucial for Hegelmann in their fight for second place. With two rounds remaining – away to FK Žalgiris and home against Sūduva – they need just one point to secure runners-up position and qualification for next season’s European competitions.

DFK Dainava Alytus vs FC Hegelmann – 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: Duke 19′, Kazlauskas 55′

Later in the evening, Sūduva earned a vital 1-0 home victory over the champions FK Kauno Žalgiris. The visitors were reduced to ten men in the 28th minute when defender Eduardas Jurjonas was shown a straight red card. While the man advantage didn’t immediately translate into goals, Kauno Žalgiris made things even harder for themselves in the second half when Georgian defender Anton Tolordava, who had just come on, was also sent off – leaving the champions with nine players.

Sūduva finally capitalized on their two-man advantage in the 85th minute when Nigerian forward Tom Lucky, coming off the bench, netted the decisive goal. The result could prove vital, as Sūduva remain firmly in the race for a top-three finish – trailing FK Žalgiris by just one point with two rounds left to play.

In the remaining fixtures, Sūduva will host FA Šiauliai before visiting FC Hegelmann, while Žalgiris face Hegelmann at home and close the season away to FK Panevėžys.

FK Sūduva vs FK Kauno Žalgiris – 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Lucky 85′

A Lyga Matchday 33:

• 26.10.2025 – FK Riteriai vs FK Banga Gargždai – 2:2
• 26.10.2025 – FC Džiugas Telšiai vs FK Paņevežys – 1:4
• 26.10.2025 – FK Žalgiris vs FA Šiauliai – 1:0
• 27.10.2025 – DFK Dainava Alytus vs FC Hegelmann – 0:2
• 27.10.2025 – FK Sūduva vs FK Kauno Žalgiris – 1:0