Several Lithuanian internationals were in action across Europe tonight, with Pijus Širvys making his long-awaited return for Maribor in Slovenia, while in Italy both Marius Adamonis and Linas Megelaitis featured for their clubs. Meanwhile, in Turkey, Modestas Vorobjovas continued his strong run with Istanbulspor.
Slovenian PrvaLiga
After more than a month sidelined through injury, 27-year-old full-back Pijus Širvys returned to the pitch for Maribor. His last appearance came on August 16 in a 3-3 draw with Bravo, when he played just one half. The setback also forced him to miss Lithuania’s international fixtures against Malta and the Netherlands.
Back in the squad today, Širvys came off the bench in the 77th minute as Maribor earned a 3-2 win away to Aluminij. The hosts had taken an early lead from the penalty spot, but Maribor struck twice before half-time to turn the game around. Ghanaian forward Benjamin Tetteh extended the advantage after the break with his second of the match, before Aluminij pulled one back. No further goals followed, though Širvys did receive a yellow card late on.
This was his fifth league outing of the season, and the victory strengthens Maribor’s hold on second place, five points behind leaders Celje. Next Saturday brings a top-of-the-table clash as Maribor travel to face Celje and fellow Lithuanian Artemijus Tutyškinas.
Italy – Serie B
Goalkeeper Marius Adamonis made his fourth start of the season for Sudtirol FC, who showed great spirit to fight back from two goals down and draw 2=2 away at Frosinone.
The 28-year-old Lithuanian shot-stopper saved three of five shots on target as Sudtirol collected their fifth point of the campaign. With one win and two draws so far, they currently sit eighth in the table. Their next fixture is at home against Reggiana next Saturday.
Italy – Serie C
Midfielder Linas Megelaitis featured for the third time since joining Perugia from Rimini, playing the full 90 minutes in a dramatic 2–3 defeat to Ravenna.
Perugia seemed in control after racing into a 2-0 lead, but Ravenna pulled one back before the break and completed the comeback with two second-half goals. Megelaitis received a yellow card in the first half.
The 27-year-old and his side remain winless this season, sitting 17th in the table with three points from five games. They will be hoping to secure their first victory in four days’ time when they host Sambenedettese.
Turkey – 1. Lig
Lithuanian midfielder Modestas Vorobjovas continued to impress in Turkey as his Istanbulspor AS side recorded a 3-1 win over league leaders Çorum. It was their second straight victory.
Now in his third season with the club, the 29-year-old has made six appearances this campaign. Istanbulspor sit sixth in the 20-team table with 10 points from six games. They next face an away trip to Erokspor on Wednesday.
