Sūduva end five-match winless run and secure first top-three finish since 2021

Sūduva Marijampolė have secured their first top-three finish in the Lithuanian Toplyga since 2021 after defeating Banga Gargždai 2-1 at home in Matchday 35. Goals from Ibrahima Seck and Faustas Steponavičius ended the hosts’ five-match winless run and lifted them into second place in the standings with one round remaining.

Sūduva entered the encounter knowing that victory would guarantee their return to the podium after four seasons without a top-three finish. However, their recent form had raised concerns, with Donatas Vencevičius side failing to win any of their previous five league matches, recording two draws and three defeats.

Despite that disappointing run, Vencevičius decided against making changes to his starting line-up, selecting the same eleven players who had suffered defeat against Kauno Žalgiris two weeks earlier. Banga head coach David Marquese Afonso also kept faith with his previous starting eleven following last weekend’s goalless draw against FA Šiauliai.

The opening stages were relatively quiet, with neither side able to establish complete control or create many clear-cut opportunities. However, Sūduva made the breakthrough in the 27th minute through a set piece.

Titas Milašius delivered a corner into the penalty area, where Ibrahima Seck rose to meet the ball and directed a header into the net, giving the hosts a crucial 1-0 advantage.

The lead lasted just five minutes, though, as Banga produced an excellent response in the 32nd minute. Rokas Filipavičius found space outside the penalty area and unleashed a superb long-range strike to restore parity, leaving the hosts frustrated after surrendering their early advantage.

With neither team able to create another significant opportunity before the interval, the sides headed into the dressing rooms level at 1-1.

Sūduva emerged from the break with greater attacking intent, taking control of proceedings as they searched for the goal that would secure their place among the league’s top three.

Their pressure paid off in the 54th minute when the ball fell kindly to Faustas Steponavičius inside the penalty area. The midfielder reacted quickly and converted the opportunity to restore Sūduva’s lead, scoring his first goal in six months.

With the hosts back in front, Banga were forced to push forward in search of another equaliser. However, despite enjoying some attacking possession towards the closing stages, the visitors struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Sūduva’s defence.

One of Banga’s few promising attempts came through Deividas Lukas, whose effort required a save from Sūduva goalkeeper Giedrius Zenkevičius.

The hosts successfully protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle, securing a 2-1 victory that ended their five-match winless streak and confirmed their return to the Toplyga podium for the first time since 2021.

The result lifted Sūduva into second place with 53 points, guaranteeing a top-three finish regardless of what happens in the final round. Banga, meanwhile, remain fifth with 42 points.

Sūduva will conclude their league campaign on Sunday with a home fixture against Džiugas Telšiai, while Banga will host Vilnius Žalgiris in their final match of the season.

FK Sūduva vs FK Banga Gargždai – 2-1 (1-1)
Goals: Seck 27′, Steponavičius 54′ | Filipavičius 32′