Kauno Žalgiris crush Minija’s cup dream to lift first Lithuanian Cup

The Toplyga side entered the final as clear favourites against Minija, who were hoping to produce a major upset. Kauno Žalgiris immediately took control of proceedings, dominating possession and looking to break down their opponents’ defensive structure.

The first notable opportunity arrived in the 11th minute when Kalik attempted his luck from distance, producing a decent effort as the hosts searched for an early breakthrough.

Kauno Žalgiris eventually broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through Krekovic. The Croatian winger showed excellent individual skill to beat a Minija defender before finding the back of the net to give his side a deserved 1-0 advantage.

Just four minutes later, Burba had an excellent opportunity to double the lead when he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper following a well-timed pass. However, he failed to hit the target from a promising position, wasting a golden chance for the hosts.

Kauno Žalgiris had a golden opportunity to double their advantage in the 37th minute when a VAR review resulted in a penalty being awarded for handball. Amine Benchaib stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort struck the post, keeping Minija within touching distance.

The visitors almost responded immediately, launching a dangerous attack that forced goalkeeper Mikelionis to rush off his line and intervene with a sliding challenge. Kauno Žalgiris then broke forward on the counterattack, but Burba’s attempted chip drifted wide of the target.

Despite missing several opportunities to extend their advantage, the hosts went into half-time leading 1-0, having largely controlled the opening 45 minutes.

The second half began in ideal fashion for Kauno Žalgiris, who doubled their lead in the 51st minute. A costly defensive mistake by Minija presented Gabriel Debeljuh with an opportunity, and the Croatian striker made no mistake, capitalising on the error to make it 2-0.

With a two-goal cushion, Kauno Žalgiris continued to dictate proceedings, leaving Minija with an increasingly difficult task as the second half progressed.

The hosts effectively put the contest beyond doubt in the 73rd minute when Krekovic delivered an accurate cross from the flank. Marko Konatar rose highest inside the penalty area, winning the aerial duel before directing a header into the net to extend the advantage to 3-0.

Kauno Žalgiris continued to create opportunities during the closing stages, with Leo Ribeiro, Ivan Fiolic Gratas Sirgėdas and Fedor Černych all having chances to add further goals. However, the score remained unchanged as the hosts comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.

The final whistle confirmed a historic achievement for Kauno Žalgiris, who lifted the Lithuanian Cup for the first time in the club’s history following a commanding performance in front of 3816 people in attentdance

It also marked the club’s second trophy of 2026, having already won the Lithuanian Super Cup at the beginning of the season.