Lithuania suffered their first defeat of the new UEFA Nations League campaign after falling 0-1 away to Azerbaijan in Baku, with Abdulakh Khaybulayev’s first-half goal proving decisive.
Head coach Edgaras Jankauskas made eight changes from Wednesday’s 3-0 friendly victory over Andorra at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium. Goalkeeper Tomas Švedkauskas, defender Rokas Lekiatas and midfielder Modestas Vorobjovas were the only three players to retain their places in the starting XI.
Azerbaijan made the brighter start and produced the first attempt after only two minutes, when Oruc Mammadov fired over from the left side of the penalty area. Lithuania gradually settled into the contest and won their first corner in the 15th minute, but the hosts continued to look more dangerous in the final third.
Tomas Švedkauskas was called into action two minutes later, saving Mammadov’s effort from outside the box before Toral Bayramov headed wide from close range.
Lithuania briefly thought they had taken the lead in the 21st minute when Artūr Dolžnikov put the ball into the net, but the move had already been stopped for a handball by the Lithuanian attacker.
Four minutes later, Azerbaijan went ahead in unfortunate circumstances for the visitors. Edgaras Utkus went down in midfield, allowing the hosts to regain possession and break forward. Švedkauskas initially kept out Mammadov’s header, but Khaybulayev converted from close range on the follow-up. A VAR review followed, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Lithuania responded reasonably well to falling behind. Vykintas Slivka fired over after being found by Kučys in the 31st minute before forcing goalkeeper Emil Balayev into a save four minutes later. At the other end, Švedkauskas produced another good stop to deny Khaybulayev from distance.
Rokas Lekiatas then came close to an equaliser shortly before half-time, meeting Dolžnikov’s delivery with a header that Balayev saved in the bottom corner.
Jankauskas reacted at the break with two substitutions, introducing Kipras Kažukolovas and Lukas Michelbrink for Utkus and Vorobjovas.
One of the most talked moments of the match followed early in the second half. Dolžnikov went down during an attacking situation, with the incident eventually going to VAR. After a lengthy review, the referee decided against showing Khaybulayev his second yellow card, which would seen Azerbaijan going a man down and instead booked Dolžnikov for simulation.
Azerbaijan continued to carry a threat, with Švedkauskas denying Mahir Emreli’s header in the 56th minute. Lithuania, however, gradually began committing more players forward in search of an equaliser.
Motiejus Burba and Eligijus Jankauskas were introduced midway through the half, and Lithuania began applying more sustained pressure. Dolžnikov saw an effort blocked before Justas Lasickas had two attempts in quick succession, but Azerbaijan’s defence continued to hold firm.
The best opportunities arrived during the final ten minutes. Dolžnikov delivered a dangerous set piece towards Kučys in the 81st minute, but the striker headed narrowly over from close range.
Gvidas Gineitis then had a shot blocked from outside the area before Kučys went even closer in the 88th minute. Lasickas found the forward inside the box and his powerful effort forced Balayev into an important save.
Lithuania continued to push during six minutes of stoppage time, but Azerbaijan survived the late pressure. Eligijus Jankauskas was also booked in the closing seconds as the frustration grew among the visitors.
The drama did not end with the final whistle. Kučys was shown a straight red card after speaking to the referee following the conclusion of the match. The dismissal means the striker will be suspended for Lithuania’s final Nations League fixture against Liechtenstein.
The 0-1 defeat sees Lithuania drop to second place in the group with four points from three matches, while Azerbaijan move top with five.
Lithuania nevertheless remain in contention for first place heading into the final round. Their last Nations League match will come at home against Liechtenstein on November 16, although their chances of winning the group will also depend on Azerbaijan’s result away against Liechtenstein three days earlier.
Azerbaijan vs Lithuania – 1-0 (1-0)
Goal: Khaybulayev 25′
