Kauno Žalgiris raise the trophy, but Vilnius Žalgiris comes with three points in derby

In Matchday 33 of the Lithuanian A Lyga, the much-anticipated Žalgiris Derby saw the newly crowned champions FK Kauno Žalgiris lift the league trophy in front of their home supporters – but it was FK Žalgiris Vilnius who left with the three points, claiming a 2-1 victory, their first win over their rivals this season.

FK Kauno Žalgiris, who officially secured their first-ever A Lyga title last weekend following FK Riteriai’s victory over Hegelmann, entered their first match as champions against last year’s winners, FK Žalgiris, having not lost any of their previous meetings this season.

Despite having already wrapped up the championship, Eivinas Černiauskas’s side did not take the night lightly, making only one change to the starting lineup – Serbian striker Dejan Georgijević came in from the start. Meanwhile, FK Žalgiris, unbeaten under new head coach Rolandas Džiaukštas and now strong contenders for bronze and European qualification, looked to continue their impressive late-season form – something that seemed highly unlikely just a few months ago.

As the home fans lit up the night with pyrotechnics, Kaunas began brightly, dominating the first half. However, visiting goalkeeper Carlos Olses was in inspired form, twice denying Georgijević and Fabien Ourega in one-on-one situations, and producing a fine save to stop captain Fedor Černych.

Kauno Žalgiris had every reason to regret their missed chances – and they paid the price after the break. Following a VAR review, the referee spotted a foul inside the box, where Martynas Šetkus had been stepped on by Ourega. Liviu Antal converted the resulting penalty, scoring his 10th goal of the season and finding the net for the sixth consecutive match – in what was also his 100th appearance for FK Žalgiris.

Just three minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead. Nemanja Mihajlović made a brilliant run down the left flank and sent a precise outside-foot cross into the box, where Motiejus Burba, 22, calmly finished into the corner for his fourth goal of the season.

The hosts responded by opening up and regaining some of their early rhythm, but it came too late. Deep into stoppage time, VAR intervened once again — this time for a handball by a Kauno Žalgiris defender. After a long review, the referee awarded a penalty, and Ourega stepped up to take it. Despite an excellent performance from Olses, the Frenchman converted confidently from the spot to make it 2-1.

There was little time left for a comeback, and FK Žalgiris held on for a deserved victory – their first over Kauno this year.

Still, FK Kauno Žalgiris had plenty to celebrate. After the final whistle, the team received their championship medals, with captain Fedor Černych proudly lifting the A Lyga trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

FK Kauno Žalgiris vs FK Žalgiris – 1:2 (0:0)
Goals: Ourega 90+10′ (Penalty Kick) | Antal 61′ (Penalty Kick), Burba 65′

FK Riteriai continued their late-season surge to avoid finishing bottom, recording their second straight win with a 1–0 away victory over FK Panevėžys.

Following their crucial weekend triumph over FC Hegelmann, Riteriai once again delivered thanks to Andrius Kaulinis, who scored the only goal in the second half. The win gives Riteriai a seven-point cushion over last-placed DFK Dainava Alytus, with three matches left to play – while Dainava still have four games remaining.

In the next round, Panevėžys will visit FC Džiugas Telšiai on Sunday, while Riteriai host FK Banga Gargždai on the same day.

FK Paņevežys vs FK Riteriai – 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Kaulinis 73′

A Lyga Matchday 32:

• 22.10.2025 – FA Šiauliai vs FK Banga Gargždai – 1:3
• 22.10.2025 – FK Paņevežys vs FK Riteriai – 0:1
• 22.10.2025- FK Kauno Žalgiris vs FK Žalgiris – 1:2
• 23.10.2025 – FC Hegelmann vs FC Džiugas Telšiai – 18:30
• 23.10.2025 – FK Sūduva vs DFK Dainava Alytus – 19:00