In a repeat of last season’s Lithuanian Cup final, FK Banga Gargždai triumphed over FC Hegelmann with a score of 2-0 during the opening matchday of the A Lyga.
Banga, who started five players from last year’s squad, began the game on a strong note. The Lithuanian Cup winners caught the Hegelmann defenders off guard when newcomer Rokas Filipavičius threaded a through ball to Maksim Andrejev. Andrejev took advantage of a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper and successfully converted, giving Banga the lead in the 11th minute.
Both teams created opportunities throughout the first half, but struggled with their finishing in the final third.
Banga doubled their lead at the start of the second half. Latvian forward Aivars Emsis showcased his strength, positioning himself well to take a close-range shot after a precise run and pass from Hugo Figueredo.
Emsis, like Filipavičius, joined FK Banga during the off-season after previously playing for FK Sūduva.
As the match progressed, both teams had great chances to score, but while the first half lacked composure in the final third, the goalkeepers made several impressive saves in this half.
As the final whistle blew, FK Banga Gargždai secured their first-ever victory in the opening match of the A Lyga. Meanwhile, FC Hegelmann, who were considered by bookmakers to have the third-best odds to win the league title, did not yet display the potential expected of them.
FK Banga Gargždai will look to maintain their momentum when they host FK Sūduva next Sunday for Matchday 2. Meanwhile, FC Hegelmann will host FK Paņevežys four hours earlier on the same day.
FK Banga Gargždai – FC Hegelmann 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Andrejev 11′, Emsis 51′
Yellow Card: Ramanauskas 64′
Banga: Bertašius – Andrejev (Srebalius 60′), Simao, Malžinskas, Figueredo – Ramanauskas, Žebrauskas – Filipavičius (Juozapavičius 90+4′), El Harmazi (Antužis 46′), Norvilas – Emsis (Venckus 83′)
Hegelmann: Bražinskas – Duke (Azouazi 58′), Kojic (Wesley Gabriel 85′), Djoric, Mulder – Leo Ribeiro (Popescu 85′), Antanavičius, Armalas, Upstas – Njoya (Yusuf 58′), Kaušinis (Kazlauskas 70′)
Referee: Orestas Abramavičius