FK Kauno Žalgiris head coach Žaljko Sopič thanked supporters after his side claimed a landmark UEFA Champions League qualifying victory and moved a step closer to the league phase of European competition.
Playing in Jonava, Žalgiris won 1-0 against Faroese champions KÍ Klaksvík to progress to the next round of qualifying. The result also guarantees the club will play at least in the UEFA Conference League league phase in 2026-27, a first in their history.
“First of all, I want to say a huge thank you to all the fans,” said Sopič. “I also heard the President of the Republic of Lithuania came to the match. It’s a wonderful evening for all of us, so thank you again.”
Sopič said the setting and the opposition’s approach made it a demanding tie. “We knew what kind of match awaited us, and the stadium in Jonava didn’t make things any easier,” he added. “It’s a good pitch, but it’s easier to play here for a defensive team.”
The Croatian also pointed to Klaksvík’s style and threat from set pieces. “Their football is Scandinavian, so it wasn’t easy for us,” he said. “They defend with 10 players behind the ball and they use set pieces very well. I think we had two or three chances to score and we managed to see the match out – it’s a historic achievement.”
Žalgiris will now face Dinamo Zagreb in the third qualifying round next week.
Source: https://zalgiris.lt/naujienos/z-sopicius-po-istorines-pergales-noriu-pasakyti-didziuli-aciu-sirgaliams
