The promotion–relegation playoff between Klaipėda’s Neptūnas and Vilnius’ Riteriai remains finely balanced after a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg in Klaipėda. The decisive showdown now awaits in Vilnius, where one club will secure its place in next season’s A Lyga.
Both teams find themselves in this playoff for different reasons. Riteriai slipped to 9th place in the A Lyga and must now fight to keep their place in the top division. Neptūnas, meanwhile, arrive full of momentum after winning eight of their last nine matches and edging past Tauras Tauragė in the closing rounds to finish runners-up to FK TransINVEST in the Pirma Lyga.
The first leg reflected the high stakes. Riteriai carved out several dangerous moments in the opening half, with Andrius Kaulinis coming closest when his effort smashed off the post.
Neptūnas answered with promising opportunities of their own. After a well-placed corner, Arthur Pierino was forced to clear nearly off his own goal line. Minutes later, Olaide Badmus sent a thunderous strike off the crossbar, leaving the match scoreless at the break – and ultimately at full time.
History adds another layer to the drama. The last time a Pirma Lyga side won promotion through the playoff route was back in 2019, when Banga Gargždai triumphed over FK Palanga. Neptūnas now hope to repeat that achievement, while Riteriai fight to avoid becoming the next top-flight team to fall.
The second leg will be played next Saturday, November 22, at the FK Žalgiris Stadium in Vilnius, kicking off at 14:00. With both sides still level, everything is on the line.
FC Neptūnas vs FK Riteriai – 0:0 (0:0)
Source: https://alyga.lt/naujiena/neptunas-ir-riteriai-ivarciu-nepelne/9244
