While the football world discusses controversial referee decisions and large bets placed on more than four goals in Banga’s last friendly match against Danish club Lyngby, Gargždai’s team has a solid reason to celebrate.
Last year’s LFF Cup winners will start their UEFA Europa Conference League qualification from the second round. This is not only a significant sporting achievement but also a crucial financial boost for the club, allowing them to strengthen their squad further and prepare adequately for international competitions. The only scenario that could alter this situation would be the reinstatement of Russian clubs in UEFA tournaments.
Lithuania currently holds the 42nd position in the UEFA club rankings, which serves as the threshold for cup winners entering the Conference League qualification from the second round. However, this position is far from secure in the near future. If Lithuanian clubs perform similarly to the previous years (1.125 and 1.375 points in 2025), next year’s LFF Cup winner might not have enough ranking points to start directly from the second round. Lithuania will lose the 1.625 points gained five years ago, making every victory in international competitions crucial for securing better conditions in the future.
For Banga, the second qualifying round guarantees at least a €525,000 payout from UEFA, a sum that could be vital for the club’s budget, allowing them to further strengthen their squad. Additionally, each successfully passed round would increase this amount by another €175,000.
David Afonso’s squad, having returned from a training camp in Cyprus, is preparing for an important clash. On February 22, they will face Žalgiris Vilnius, the reigning national champions, in the LFF Super Cup final at the Sportima arena in the capital. This match will serve not only as an excellent opportunity to showcase their readiness for the new season but also as a crucial test ahead of both domestic league battles and international challenges.
Meanwhile, the other two Lithuanian representatives in the UEFA Europa Conference League, Hegelmann and FK Kauno Žalgiris, will start their campaign from the first qualifying round. Žalgiris Vilnius will begin their European journey from the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
Source: https://www.sportas.lt/naujiena/515401/banga-kelione-europoje-prades-nuo-antrojo-atrankos-etapo
