Today marked the beginning of the Lithuanian football season with the Lithuanian Super Cup match between A Lyga champions FK Žalgiris and Lithuanian Cup winners FK Banga Garždai. In a thrilling encounter that culminated in penalty kicks, FK Žalgiris claimed their ninth Super Cup title by triumphing over FK Banga.
Pre Game
Inside the electric atmosphere of Vilniaus Sportimos Maniežas, both FK Žalgiris and Banga were eager to showcase their talents. Žalgiris manager Vladimir Cheburin opted to include two new signings in his starting lineup, players who had not been part of the championship-winning squad last season. In contrast, Portuguese specialist Afonso led Banga with five players from the previous year’s roster, complemented by six new additions.
First Half
The match quickly tilted in favor of FK Žalgiris when new recruit Hadji received a lobbed pass from midfield. Positioned about 20 meters to the right of the box, he made a swift run and impressively volleyed the ball into the net from a tight angle, beating the goalkeeper with precision.
Thirty minutes later, Žalgiris doubled their lead as Hadji scored again. Newly signed Bruno Tavares delivered a well-placed cross from a set piece that struck a Banga defender. The rebound fell perfectly for Hadji, who unleashed a powerful close-range strike, finding the back of the net once more.
Banga was determined to respond swiftly. In the 34th minute, Latvian striker Aivars Emsis appeared to have scored, but the referee disallowed the goal due to a handball that occurred before the shot. After a VAR review, the original decision stood—no goal for Banga.
Just a minute later, Banga had another excellent opportunity. Emsis made a brilliant run down the left flank and delivered a low cross into the box, finding teammate Olugbogi. Unfortunately, Olugbogi couldn’t generate enough power on his attempt, and the ball drifted wide.
As half-time approached, FK Žalgiris comfortably led 2-0. During the break, the Lithuanian Football Federation paid homage to Mantas Kuklys, a long-time national team player who retired after the last season.
Second Half
In the second half, Banga came out determined to turn the tide. Sporting director Rolandas Veževičius, visibly animated in the stands, celebrated every promising move while displaying frustration at decisions against his team. Midway through the second half, a crucial moment arrived: a VAR review led to a penalty for Banga due to a handball in the Žalgiris defensive area.
New signing Rokas Filipavičius stepped up for the penalty, and although Žalgiris’ goalkeeper managed to get a hand to the shot aimed at the bottom left corner, it had too much finesse, allowing Banga to celebrate their first official goal of the season.
Just five minutes later, Dovydas Norvilas brought Banga level with a stunning diving header off a great cross from Pamilerin Olugbogi. The stands erupted as Veževičius and the fans celebrated their hard-earned equalizer.
Banga looked increasingly likely to secure the game-winning goal as the match neared its conclusion. However, after the regulation 90 minutes plus ten additional minutes, the match ended in a tie, leading to penalty kicks for the fifth consecutive year in the Lithuanian Super Cup.
Penalty Kicks
Banga’s captain, Ramanauskas, faced the first penalty shot but unfortunately struck the crossbar, sending the ball soaring high. Meanwhile, the experienced Yuri Kendysh made his mark by converting his shot, confidently firing straight down the middle and giving Žalgiris the early edge.
In the second round, the 17-year-old Praleika displayed remarkable composure under pressure, executing a stunning penalty that found the top corner—no chance for the Žalgiria goalkeeper. On the other hand, Žalgiris player Zahary stepped up to take a second penalty kick but faced a formidable challenge as Bertašius made a crucial save.
Venckus then took his turn and delivered a precise shot that comfortably beat Tordai. Jarusevičius followed suit, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to score his penalty with ease.
Unfortunately for Antužis, his penalty kick in the fourth round was saved by last season’s best goalkeeper, the A Lyga Tordai. In contrast, Burba mirrored his teammate Kendysh’s approach, shooting straight down the center.
It came down to the last round. Banga’s new signing, Figueriedo, was unable to score, as Tordai showcased his skills again. He saved the shot with his feet and solidified his status as the hero of the penalty shootout with two crucial saves.
In the end, Tordai’s performance helped secure victory for Žalgiris as they clinched their ninth Super Cup and their first since 2023. It was a tough break for FK Banga Garždai, but they put up a strong fight against the defending A Lyga champions.
FK Žalgiris – FK Banga Gargždai 2-2 (2-0)
Goals Scored: Hadji 4′ 28′ ; Filipavičius 72′, Norvilas 77′
Penalty kicks:
FK Žalgiris: Kendysh O – Zahary X – Jarusevičius O – Burba O
FK Banga Gargždai: Ramanauskas X – Praleika O – Venckus O – Antužis X – Figueriedo X