Lithuanian winger Matas Vareika made an impressive debut in the Armenian Premier League on Tuesday, helping Pyunik Yerevan secure a 2-0 victory against Alashkert.
After a standout season with Hegelmann in the A Lyga, the 25-year-old Vareika decided to pursue a new challenge abroad by joining the defending Armenian champions, who are currently in a tight race for the league title alongside Noah and Urartu.
The Armenian league resumed after its winter break with Pyunik Yerevan hosting Alashkert, who have found themselves in an unexpected position at the bottom of the league table. Vareika began the match on the bench, while another new signing, Joel Bopesu—a standout player from last season’s title-winning FK Žalgiris—was named in the starting lineup.
With Pyunik leading 1-0, Vareika made his official debut in the 76th minute. It was in the eighth minute of additional time that Vareika truly shone; after being set up by a teammate, he expertly maneuvered around the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net, marking a memorable first appearance.
With this victory, Pyunik Yerevan remains in third place in the league, just three points behind leader Noah. Vareika and his team will look to build on this success when they host Ararat-Armenia on Saturday.
