Lithuania international Edgaras Utkus began the new Saudi Pro League season on Saturday by helping Al Kholood earn a 1-1 away draw against Al Ittihad, while fellow Lithuanian centre-back Vilius Armalas made his first league start of the season in Hungary.
The 26-year-old Utkus, who joined Al Kholood earlier this year and made 16 league appearances with one goal last season, was named in the starting line-up for the opening match of the new campaign.
The evening did not begin smoothly for the Lithuanian defender, as Al Ittihad were awarded a penalty following his foul in the first half. However, Algeria international Houssem Aouar, who was just seen in the World Cup, failed to convert from the spot. The hosts eventually took the lead just before the break through Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri.
Al Kholood responded early in the second half with an equaliser and held on for a valuable 1-1 draw away from home. Utkus completed the full 90 minutes.
His side return to action in just four days’ time when they travel to Jeddah in the Saudi King’s Cup round of 32.
Meanwhile, in the Hungarian top flight, Utkus’ fellow Lithuanian international Vilius Armalas made his first league start of the season as MTK Budapest drew 1-1 away to Ujpest.
After featuring as a substitute in each of the opening three league matches, Armalas was handed a place in the starting XI. Both sides scored once before the break, while MTK missed a golden opportunity to claim all three points in the second half when Mihaly Kata failed to convert a penalty.
MTK Budapest have collected five points from their opening four league matches and currently sit fifth in the standings. Their next fixture comes next Saturday at home against Nyiregyhaza.
