Defending champions FK Kauno Žalgiris rescued a point in dramatic fashion in Toplyga Round 11, coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 away against FK Banga Gargždai in a match that went down to the wire.
Banga made a flying start and immediately put the champions under pressure. Inside the opening minutes, Ignas Venckus cleverly laid the ball off for Rokas Filipavičius, whose effort was blocked, serving as an early warning for the visitors. That warning turned into reality in the 15th minute when Aaron Olugbogi regained possession in midfield and quickly released Venckus, who burst past his marker and calmly finished past goalkeeper Tomas Švedkauskas to open the scoring.
The hosts doubled their lead just two minutes later in stunning fashion. Once again, Olugbogi was at the heart of it, this time finding Misaki Sato on the right flank. The Japanese forward made no mistake, firing home from a tight angle to make it 2-0 and leave the champions reeling.
Kauno Žalgiris looked shaken in the early stages, struggling with uncharacteristic mistakes as Banga continued to press aggressively. However, the visitors gradually settled into the match, slowing down Banga’s tempo and beginning to impose themselves in possession.
Their persistence paid off in the 38th minute. After a set-piece routine, Edokpolor delivered a precise cross into the box, and Aldayr Hernandez rose highest to head the ball into the net, cutting the deficit in half and shifting momentum before halftime.
The second half saw Kauno Žalgiris take control. Amine Benchaib came close to equalizing when his effort struck the woodwork, marking the visitors’ second shot off the frame in the match. The pressure continued to mount, with goalkeeper Volodymyr Krynskyi called into action multiple times, including a strong save to deny Leo Ribeiro.
Banga still posed a threat on the counter, with Vaidas Magdušauskas going close, but their task became significantly harder in the 77th minute. Substitute Dovydas Norvilas was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, leaving the hosts to defend their lead with ten men in the closing stages.
Despite controlling possession, Kauno Žalgiris initially struggled to break through Banga’s disciplined defensive block. But deep into stoppage time, the pressure finally told. Centre-back Anton Tolordava found himself unmarked inside the box and calmly slotted home to complete the comeback and salvage a crucial point for the champions.
The draw keeps Kauno Žalgiris at the top of the table, while Banga move level on points with Žalgiris Vilnius in mid-table after a performance that deserved more.
There is little time to dwell on the result for either side. Banga will be back in action in just four days with an away trip to FK Riteriai, while Kauno Žalgiris face a key clash against in-form Džiugas Telšiai on the same day in what promises to be a significant encounter in the title race.
FK Banga Gargždai vs FK Kauno Žalgiris – 2-2 (2-1)
Goals: Venckus 15′ Sato 17′ | Hernandez 38′, Tolordava 90+5′
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Kauno Žalgiris |
11 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 30 | 7 | 23 | 26 |
| 2 |  Džiugas Telšiai |
11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 15 | 11 | 4 | 20 |
| 3 |  Transinvest |
10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 17 |
| 4 |  FK Sūduva |
10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 16 |
| 5 |  FK Banga |
11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 15 |
| 6 |  FK Žalgiris |
10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 15 |
| 7 |  FK Panevėžys |
10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 16 | -8 | 11 |
| 8 |  FC Hegelmann |
11 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 16 | -9 | 9 |
| 9 |  FA Šiauliai |
10 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 17 | -10 | 8 |
| 10 |  FK Riteriai |
10 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 24 | -21 | 3 |
