Irina Topal scored twice for MFK Žalgiris, including a stunning long-range strike, but MFA Žalgiris earned a 2-2 draw in the Women’s Žalgiris derby on a hot spring evening in front of an official attendance of 1,841 at the LFF Stadium in Vilnius.
The game did not get to a strong start with the first 20 minutes being quite poor. MFA Žalgiris had more possession, but neither side created much in attacking areas until Olamide Sandra Adugbe put the nominal visitors ahead, lifting a composed finish over the onrushing goalkeeper.
MFK Žalgiris were slow to respond, but Topal changed the match around the half-hour mark with an outstanding equaliser from about 30 yards. Her shot was struck with such power that the goalkeeper had no chance, and it gave the home team the lift they had lacked. MFK Žalgiris finished the first half with more energy, and the crowd became far more involved after the goal.
Topal scored again early in the second half. Cutting in from the left, she drove a second emphatic finish into the top corner to put MFK 2-1 ahead. For much of the next phase, MFK controlled the game. Topal remained their main threat, while Magny Anyelin Contreras Chacon also caused problems down the right.
MFA looked flat after falling behind, but Adugbe brought them level in the 76th minute with a low finish from inside the penalty area. It was a sharp equaliser that came against the run of play.
Moments later MFA were reduced to 10 players when Noela Patrick Luhala was sent off for a late last-ditch tackle. MFK then had the best chance to win it near the end, but Pocevičiūtė, through on goal with only the keeper to beat, side-footed straight at Mikuckytė.
With all said and done, the home side will regret not turning their second-half control into victory. MFA were second best for long periods after half-time, but Adugbe’s finishing gave them a point.
Goals: Topal 32’, 50’; Adugbe 25’, 77’
MFK Žalgiris starting XI: Aušrinė Bikutė; Emperatriz Sofia Garcia Ruiz, Greta Valikonienė, Karina Klevinskaitė, Agata Marija Kairytė, Milda Liužinaitė, Ineta Šukštulytė, Valerija Postol, Irina Topal, Magny Anyelin Contreras Chacon, Lolita Žižytė.
MFA Žalgiris starting XI: Darija Mikuckytė; Noela Patrick Luhala, Olamide Sandra Adugbe, Atėnė Streckytė, Erika Šupelytė, Goda Smailytė, Elena Ostrauskaitė, Joy Ndidi Duru, Shakirat Olamide Oyinlola, Bunmi Elizabeth David, Ugnė Lazdauskaitė.
Player of the Match: Irina Topal, MFK Žalgiris Vilnius
