FK Riteriai have secured their place in next season’s A Lyga after defeating FK Neptūnas 2-1 in the decisive second leg of the promotion/relegation playoff. With the tie finishing 2-1 on aggregate, Klaipėda’s Neptūnas will have to wait at least another year for their chance to reach the top division.
After a goalless draw in Klaipėda a week earlier, both teams entered the return match in Vilnius knowing that any goal could prove decisive. Riteriai struck first. In the 13th minute, a well-delivered corner found American defender Vukašin Bulatović completely unmarked in the box, and he powered a fierce header into the net to give the hosts the lead – both on the night and in the tie.
Neptūnas responded impressively. In the 31st minute, Japanese winger Yoichi Kawachi curled in a superb cross from the flank, and Darius Žubauskas met it with a full-stretch diving header to level the match and bring the aggregate score back to 1-1.
Just before halftime, the visitors nearly completed the turnaround. A defensive mistake allowed 20-year-old Nikita Bondarev to break free one-on-one, but goalkeeper Antonio Tuta came to Riteriai’s rescue with a crucial save that would prove pivotal in the final outcome.
And early in the second half, Riteriai punished that missed opportunity. A sharp-angled shot from Leif Estevez forced Neptūnas keeper Amir Agalarov to parry the ball straight into the danger area. Jonas Usavičius reacted quickest, rising above the defender to head in the rebound and restore Riteriai’s advantage at 2-1.
Neptūnas needed just one goal to push the tie into extra time, but they struggled to create meaningful danger in the closing stages. Riteriai held firm, securing their A Lyga status for a second consecutive season, while Neptūnas will continue in the Pirma Lyga despite a strong campaign.
FK Riteriai vs FK Neptūnas – 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: Bulatovic 13′, Usavičius 65′ | Zubauskas 31′
With the playoff settled, the lineup for next season’s A Lyga is now confirmed:
- FK Kauno Žalgiris – Champions
- FC Hegelmann – Runners-up
- FK Žalgiris – 3rd
- FK Sūduva – 4th
- FA Šiauliai – 5th
- FK Panevėžys – 6th
- FC Džiugas Telšiai – 7th
- FK Banga Gargždai – 8th
- FK Riteriai – Playoff winners
- FK TransINVEST – Pirma Lyga champions
