---
title: "Pirma Lyga: Minija and Babrungas set up first golden match in five years"
date: 2026-11-07T14:58:36Z
lang: en
author: "Kristupas Kamarauskas"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/pirma-lyga-minija-and-babrungas-set-up-first-golden-match-in-five-years/
categories: ["Lithuania", "Pirma Lyga"]
---

# Pirma Lyga: Minija and Babrungas set up first golden match in five years
**After five years, a golden match will decide promotion to Lithuania’s top flight as Samogitian rivals Minija and Babrungas prepare for a winner-takes-all showdown in Gargždai on 11 November.**

The final matchweek of the Pirma Lyga season delivered high drama on Saturday as title contenders FK Minija and FK Babrungas both won their respective fixtures to finish level on points at the top of the standings. Minija hosted FK Garliava in Kretinga, where the visitors mounted a resilient first-half effort before a 36th-minute red card shifted the momentum. Minija capitalized on the numerical advantage to secure a 2-0 victory.

FK Minija held the league lead for the majority of the campaign, but their form faltered down the stretch following their LFF Cup final defeat. Kretinga’s side suffered back-to-back league losses in the aftermath – including fumbling a 2-0 lead at home against direct rivals FK Babrungas to lose 3-2, which marked their first home defeat of the season.

Meanwhile, Babrungas entered the final matchweek as overwhelming favorites against already-relegated FA Šiauliai B and proved their credentials with a 4-1 victory. While senior side FA Šiauliai prepare for their upcoming top-flight relegation play-off, regulations prevented them from fielding first-team players in this fixture, as league rules require senior squad members to be registered for reserve appearances weeks in advance. Regardless, the match served as an ideal warm-up and scouting opportunity for Šiauliai ahead of a potential play-off clash against the Plungė side.

The decisive golden match will take place in Gargždai on Wednesday, 11 November. The winner will earn direct promotion to Toplyga for next season, while the runner-up must navigate a two-legged play-off tie against FA Šiauliai to secure top-tier status.