---
title: "‘Fantastic’ support helps Žalgiris past Riteriai, says Džiaukštas"
date: 2025-09-21T13:16:27Z
lang: en
author: "Dmitrijs Kravcenko"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/fantastic-support-helps-zalgiris-past-riteriai-says-dziaukstas/
categories: ["Toplyga"]
---

# ‘Fantastic’ support helps Žalgiris past Riteriai, says Džiaukštas
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New FK Žalgiris head coach **Rolandas Džiaukštas** praised his side’s 2–0 win against city rivals Riteriai, highlighting both the support from the stands and the team’s resilience on the pitch.

_“First of all I want to thank our fans – with the fireworks and everything, it was fantastic and really pushed the team forward,”_ said Džiaukštas after the match. He admitted the atmosphere perhaps led to some nervous over-excitement: _“Sometimes we rushed forward too much.”_

Despite that, Žalgiris took control early, though the coach acknowledged a lapse after the second goal when Riteriai briefly threatened to restore hope. _“We made a few mistakes and gave away the ball too easily. If they had scored to make it 2–1, the finish would have been very complicated. I’m glad we kept them out.”_

Džiaukštas, who handed a first start to **Motiejus Burba**, said the youngster had earned his chance. _“His last game after coming on went very well, and he proved he deserves to play in the starting eleven.”_

Žalgiris’ coach still sees room for improvement, particularly in managing games from a winning position: _“At 2–0 we need to finish matches more solidly. But overall I’m very happy with the victory.”_