Žalgiris were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Sūduva in a high-profile Toplyga 13th-round match in Marijampolė, with both goals coming after the break.
The struggling capital city club made changes to their starting XI, with Paulius Golubickas returning after suspension and Matas Vareika making his first start of the season in an official match, while Ovidijus Verbickas missed out through injury. It was the first match of the year at Marijampolė’s main stadium and drew a large crowd.
Sūduva began well, but Žalgiris came close after 15 minutes when Bryan Teixeira struck the crossbar from inside the penalty area. At the other end, Carlos Olses denied Faustas Steponavičius with a save in the 34th minute.
Žalgiris thought they had gone in front before the break when Vareika turned in a loose ball, but VAR ruled the goal out for a handball by Golubickas in the build-up.
After half-time, Sūduva goalkeeper Ignas Plūkas was called into action to keep out a powerful effort from Saba Mamatsashvili. The hosts then took the lead on 67 minutes when Meinardas Mikulėnas got in behind and finished one-on-one.
Žalgiris responded within seven minutes as Yuri Kendysh equalised from the right side of the box into the far corner.
Žalgiris’ next league match is away to TransINVEST on 17th May, before hosting Hegelmann on 24th May.
___________________
Source: https://fkzalgiris.lt/po-permainingos-kovos-marijampoleje-lygiosios/
