Lithuanian champions FK Kauno Žalgiris ended their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign with a much-improved performance, but despite playing nearly an hour with a numerical advantage, they fell 1-2 at home to Dinamo Zagreb, losing the third qualifying round tie 1-7 on aggregate.
Trailing 0-5 from the first leg in Croatia, Žalgiris made an energetic start and looked far more competitive than they had in Zagreb. However, it was the Croatian champions who struck first in the 20th minute. Dion Beljo slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area for Lukas Kačavenda, who calmly finished past Deividas Mikelionis to make it 1-0.
Despite conceding, the hosts responded well and came agonisingly close to an equaliser three minutes later. Leon Krekovic’s powerful long-range free-kick looked destined for the top corner, but Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Filipović produced a superb fingertip save to push the ball onto the crossbar.
Dinamo doubled their advantage in the 30th minute through a moment of individual brilliance. Josip Mišic collected the ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner, leaving Mikelionis with no chance.
The match took another dramatic turn just three minutes later. Mikelionis launched a long ball forward and, as Motiejus Burba chased it down, Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Filipovic raced outside his penalty area and caught the Lithuanian forward with a dangerously high boot. Referee showed the goalkeeper a straight red card, forcing Dinamo to play the remaining hour with ten men.
Žalgiris immediately began to take control after the interval. Gabriel Debeljuh, introduced at half-time, headed narrowly over the crossbar before finally reducing the deficit in the 57th minute. After an initial save from substitute goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic during a goalmouth scramble, the Croatian striker reacted quickest to tap home from close range for his first goal in Kauno Žalgiris colours.
The Lithuanian champions continued to pile on the pressure. Debeljuh squandered a golden opportunity in the 68th minute when goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic produced a brilliant save from close range. Leo Ribeiro also came close on two occasions, first seeing an acrobatic bicycle kick saved by Nevistic before curling a free-kick narrowly over the crossbar. Joris Moutachy also fired over from a promising position as Žalgiris searched in vain for a second goal.
Despite dominating possession and creating the better opportunities after the dismissal, Žalgiris were unable to add a second goal. Debeljuh headed wide from another good chance late on as Dinamo successfully held on for the victory.
Although eliminated 1-7 on aggregate, Kauno Žalgiris produced a far more encouraging display than in the first leg. Playing with a numerical advantage for nearly 60 minutes, Željko Sopic’s side created several good chances and showed far greater intensity against the Croatian side.
The Lithuanian champions now drop into the UEFA Europa League play-off round, where they will face either Turkish giants Besiktas or Czech side Hradec Kralove for a place in the league phase.
FK Kauno Žalgiris vs Dinamo Zagreb – 1-2 (0-2) 1-7 on aggregate
Goals: Debeljuh 56′ | Kačavenda 19′, Misic 30′
