In the second matchday of the UEFA Futsal Champions League Main Round, Lithuanian champions FK Kauno Žalgiris took the lead in the second half but were unable to hold on, conceding two goals in just 25 seconds and eventually losing 1-3 to hosts Piast Gliwice.
Yesterday, Kauno Žalgiris had put in a respectable performance against Spanish champions FS Cartagena to start their European campaign, despite a 0-5 defeat, while today they hosted the Polish side. Piast Gliwice themselves had bounced back from a goal deficit yesterday, defeating Belgian champions RSC Anderlecht 2-1 in front of a record crowd of 10,357 (excluding Final 4 matches).
Kauno Žalgiris made one change to their starting lineup from the previous day, with Vladimir Derendiajev replacing Benas Spietinis. After a goalless first half, the second half began with Kauno Žalgiris immediately testing the Polish goalkeeper Michał Widuch, who was equal to the task.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Brazilian forward Pedrinho scored, putting Kauno Žalgiris ahead 1-0. However, the lead was short-lived: Piast Gliwice’s pressure paid off, and in a span of just 25 seconds, the hosts scored twice – first through Brazilian Vini, then Miguel Pegacha – turning the game in their favor. Kauno Žalgiris pushed to respond but eventually conceded a third goal, a penalty converted by long-serving Piast Brazilian player Breno Bertoline, sealing the 3-1 final score.
This was Kauno Žalgiris’s second loss in two matches, while Piast Gliwice continued their perfect record in the subgroup, coming from behind in consecutive games to claim victories.
Both teams will have a rest day tomorrow, before Kauno Žalgiris face a crucial clash on Sunday against RSC Anderlecht, who remain winless in the group after a 0-4 defeat to FS Cartagena today. The outcome will determine the Lithuanian champions’ chances of finishing in the top three and advancing to the next stage of the competition.
Piast Gliwice vs FK Kauno Žalgiris – 3:1 (0:0)
Goals: Vini 34′, Pegacha 35′, Bertoline 40′ | Pedrinho 32′
Source: https://www.uefa.com/uefafutsalchampionsleague/match/2045669–piast-gliwice-vs-kauno-zalgiris/
