In a rain-soaked evening in Telšiai, Raudondvaris-based Hegelmann battled past Džiugas 2–1 after extra time to book their place in this year’s Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) Cup final.
For head coach Andrius Skerla, it was another tense occasion in what has been a draining week, following matches against Šiauliai and Džiugas. As one local observer joked, “his hair has only gained more grey” after the run of fixtures.
The Kaunas district club repeated last year’s semi-final scoreline — also a 2–1 away win against Džiugas — to earn another shot at silverware. In the final, scheduled for late September, they will meet Panevėžys.
Panevėžys, however, will be without young midfielder Domantas Vaičekauskas, who was shown a second yellow card late on in their semi-final after what was described as a needless provocation from an opponent. Unless the club appeals successfully, the 22-year-old will have to watch from the stands. Vaičekauskas has been an important figure this season, making 25 A Lyga appearances, mostly as a starter, and anchoring Panevėžys’ midfield. His absence could prove a crucial advantage for Skerla’s men in the final.
Meanwhile, former Panevėžys talent Matijus Remeikis has returned to Lithuania after two difficult years in Bulgaria with Botev Plovdiv. Failing to secure regular game time abroad, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder has joined Hegelmann under Skerla in a bid to revive his career — much like Donatas Kazlauskas, another returning player now working with the Kaunas side.
Unlike last year’s semi-final, which was settled in 90 minutes, this time the visitors needed extra time. After a 1–1 draw in regular play, Hegelmann finally secured their victory across two tense additional periods of 15 minutes each.
For Džiugas, it was their third semi-final appearance since the club’s rebirth in 2014 following the dissolution of FK Mastis.
Hegelmann, by contrast, have consistently reached the latter stages since their promotion to the top flight in 2021. Twice they have lost finals — the most painful being last year’s defeat on penalties to Banga at Kaunas’ Darius and Girėnas Stadium on 29 September.
Lithuania’s domestic cup has been held since 1947, originally under the name “Tiesos” Cup until 1991.
On the pitch, Hegelmann’s goals came from defender Vilius Armalas, who netted a brace. Known for his aerial ability and striker’s instincts despite playing at the back, Armalas has begun to establish himself as a regular in the Lithuanian national team this year.
Džiugas responded through Ivorian defender Ibrahim Cissé, whose thunderous header gave the hosts brief hope. While some questioned Hegelmann goalkeeper Vincentas Šarkauskas for being beaten at his near post, the wet conditions, the power of the strike, and the element of surprise were mitigating factors. Overall, both Šarkauskas and fellow keeper Arijus Bražinskas have been steady performers throughout the season.
After the match, former Super Nova and Riteriai head coach Nikola Vitorović spoke to Mantas Aliukonis of Baltic Football News and offered his assessment. He tipped Hegelmann as favourites but cautioned that the nature of cup football can spring surprises:
“It was 50-50. Hegelmann were the favourites, but I hoped Džiugas might surprise and reach the final. They lost all three league meetings this season, but the cup has a different energy.”
Vitorović also reflected on Džiugas’ summer transfer business. In July, they sold 21-year-old Ukrainian defender Mykyta Kravchenko to Hungarian top-flight side Debrecen for €50,000, but quickly replaced him with Dutch defender Valentino Vermeulen. He stressed the importance of goalkeeper Marius Paukštė, who had missed the recent league match against Dainava, to their defensive stability.
As for Hegelmann’s strengths, he highlighted winger Leo Ribeiro as a key factor:
“Their X-factor is undoubtedly Leo Ribeiro. He’s their best individual player.”
With the stage set for another final, Skerla’s side will hope to finally lift the trophy that has twice eluded them in recent years.
