On Sunday, Lithuanian players were in action across Europe, featuring in league matches from Italy to Norway. In Serie A, Gvidas Gineitis returned to Torino’s starting lineup in defeat, Gytis Paulauskas netted his sixth league goal of the season in Slovakia, while in Norway veteran goalkeeper Igor Spiridonov finally made his top-flight debut after 14 years in the country.
In Italy’s Serie A, Gvidas Gineitis returned to Torino’s starting lineup for the first time since October 29 as they travelled to face Lecce. However, the evening proved a difficult one for the 21-year-old midfielder and his team.
Torino conceded twice within the first 22 minutes, quickly finding themselves 2-0 down. In an attempt to change the momentum, head coach Ivan Jurić made an early tactical decision, substituting Gineitis in the 37th minute and introducing striker Duván Zapata.
Torino improved after the break and pulled one goal back through Che Adams, but were unable to complete a comeback and suffered their second consecutive league defeat.
This was Gineitis’ ninth Serie A appearance of the season, with the Lithuanian midfielder still searching for his first goal involvement. Torino now sit 13th in the table with 14 points. Their next challenge comes on Monday, when they host league leaders AC Milan.
In Slovakia, striker Gytis Paulauskas continued his fine form with another goal for Michalovce, although his side experienced late heartbreak in a dramatic 3-2 defeat away to league leaders Slovan Bratislava.
Following a goalless first half, Michalovce struck first and then found themselves reduced to ten men after receiving a straight red card in the 62nd minute. Slovan capitalised quickly, with Georgian defender Guram Kashia bringing the home side level.
Despite being a man down, Michalovce stunned the crowd in the 85th minute when Paulauskas curled in a superb free-kick into the bottom corner to restore their lead – his sixth goal of the season.
But Slovan were ruthless in the closing minutes. Marko Tolić struck twice within four minutes to completely turn the match around and secure the win for the Slovak champions.
Paulauskas played the full 90 minutes and now has six goals and three assists in 14 matches this season. Michalovce remain fifth in the table with 22 points and next face Dunajská Streda in a cup tie midweek.
In Norway, veteran goalkeeper Igor Spiridonov achieved a remarkable personal milestone, making his Eliteserien debut at the age of 37.
After nearly 14 years in Norway, Spiridonov finally played in the country’s top division, coming on as a substitute in Bryne’s 4-1 victory over Haugesund on the final matchday of the season.
The Lithuanian goalkeeper began his career at Banga Gargždai before moving to Norway in 2012. Over the past eight years, he has been part of Bryne’s rise from the third division into the top flight, which the club reached for the first time since 2003.
Spiridonov was Bryne’s third-choice goalkeeper throughout this season, but was given his moment in the finale. It marked his 164th appearance for Bryne, and his first at Eliteserien level.
Bryne finished the season 14th out of 16 teams and will now enter a relegation playoff to secure their place in the top division.
In the Czech First League, Nojus Audinis completed the full match as Teplice claimed their second straight 1-0 victory, this time away at Bohemians. The 19-year-old defender has now made 14 league appearances this season, registering one assist.
In Croatia, Justas Lasickas also played the full 90 minutes as Rijeka were held to a 1-1 draw by Lokomotiva Zagreb. The reigning Croatian champions have endured an inconsistent campaign and currently sit seventh with 18 points from 15 matches, just four points off third place. Lasickas has now featured in 11 league matches this season.
In Slovenia, defender Artemijus Tutyškinas played a full match as leaders NK Celje dropped points again, drawing 1-1 at home against Koper. Despite the setback, Celje remain firmly in control of the title race, holding a nine-point lead over Maribor after 17 rounds. The 22-year-old has scored two league goals in 15 appearances this season.
