Vilnius Žalgiris claimed a dramatic 1-0 home victory over FA Šiauliai in Matchday 30 of the Toplyga, with Danny Lupano scoring the decisive goal deep into stoppage time.
Žalgiris returned to domestic action knowing every point could prove crucial in the title race, while Šiauliai arrived still searching for their first away win of the season.
The hosts created the first real chance in the 15th minute after a neat passing move opened space for Stanislav Bilenkyi, but his low effort towards the bottom-right corner was kept out by young Šiauliai goalkeeper Vilius Šivickas.
Šivickas was called into action again only a few minutes later. Ivan Lytvynenko delivered a corner into the penalty area and Lupano met it with a header, but the goalkeeper managed to get his fingertips to the ball and prevent Žalgiris from taking the lead.
The second half remained physical and competitive, with neither side able to find a breakthrough for most of the period. Šiauliai tried to take more control as they battled to move away from the relegation play-off places, while Žalgiris continued to push for the goal that would keep them in touch with the leaders.
It looked as though Šivickas’ impressive performance would be enough to earn the visitors a point, but Žalgiris finally broke through in stoppage time. Lupano rose to meet another delivery into the box and headed home the winner, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
The victory moves Žalgiris onto 40 points and up to third place in the table, keeping them firmly involved in the title race. Šiauliai remain ninth with 16 points after another defeat.
FK Žalgiris Vilnius vs FA Šiauliai – 1-0 (0-0)
Goal: Lupano 90+2′
Next matches:
FK Žalgiris Vilnius (a) Sūduva – September 13
FA Šiauliai (a) FC Hegelmann – September 13
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  FK Sūduva |
25 | 13 | 9 | 3 | 37 | 19 | 18 | 48 |
| 2 |  Kauno Žalgiris |
24 | 11 | 9 | 4 | 46 | 16 | 30 | 42 |
| 3 |  FK Žalgiris |
25 | 12 | 4 | 9 | 38 | 29 | 9 | 40 |
| 4 |  Transinvest |
26 | 11 | 6 | 9 | 37 | 34 | 3 | 39 |
| 5 |  FK Banga |
26 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 29 | 25 | 4 | 38 |
| 6 |  Džiugas Telšiai |
27 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 36 | 38 | -2 | 38 |
| 7 |  FK Panevėžys |
26 | 8 | 5 | 13 | 26 | 41 | -15 | 29 |
| 8 |  FC Hegelmann |
26 | 4 | 12 | 10 | 29 | 44 | -15 | 24 |
| 9 |  FA Šiauliai |
27 | 3 | 7 | 17 | 24 | 56 | -32 | 16 |
