Babrungas secure historic promotion to Toplyga in 22-kick shootout drama

Plungė’s Babrungas have secured promotion to Lithuania’s top flight for the first time in their history after defeating Kretinga’s Minija 10-9 on penalties in a dramatic First League title decider on Wednesday. The two sides finished the regular season level on 74 points, forcing an additional match to determine the champions and the automatic promotion spot.

Played on neutral ground in Gargždai under heavy rain, the contest was a cautious affair, with both teams reluctant to take unnecessary risks given what was at stake. Clear-cut opportunities were few and far between, and neither side managed to break the deadlock during the 90 minutes of regular time.

Minija created the only genuine goalscoring opportunity of normal time early in the second half, when forward Nwegbo Patrick Ifediba connected with a powerful header following a cross into the penalty area. However, Babrungas goalkeeper Darius Kublickas produced an excellent reaction save to keep the score at 0-0.

With the extra-time played, both teams still looked cautious and it appeared that the match will head towards a penalty shootout until the 118th minute, when Ukrainian forward Dmytro Sula headed Babrungas into the lead after Minija goalkeeper Vykintas Gaudiešius failed to deal convincingly with a corner.

However, Babrungas’ celebrations proved premature. Deep into stoppage time at the end of extra time, South Korean Lee Minwoo found himself in the right place to equalise with virtually the final touch of the match, sending the contest to penalties.

Both teams missed once during the opening five attempts. Minija midfielder Armandas Šveistrys saw his effort saved by Kublickas, while Babrungas’ Colombian Brayan Angulo fired over the crossbar.

The drama continued when Minija’s sixth taker, Deividas Pipiras, initially failed to beat Kublickas but was allowed to retake his penalty following a VAR intervention, converting at the second attempt.

With the next nine penalties successfully converted, all 20 outfield players had taken their turns, leaving the two goalkeepers to decide the contest. Minija’s Vykintas Gaudiešius missed his attempt, while Babrungas goalkeeper Darius Kublickas stepped up and converted the decisive spot-kick, sealing a dramatic 10-9 shootout victory and the Pirma Lyga title.

The result marks a historic achievement for Babrungas, who were re-established following financial difficulties and had never previously competed in Lithuania’s highest division.

Minija, who were re-established in 2017 following bankruptcy, will have another opportunity to secure promotion to next season’s Toplyga through a two-legged promotion play-off against Šiauliai, who finished bottom of the top flight.