One of the biggest surprises in recent Lithuanian football history unfolded in the Lithuanian Cup second round, as FK Žalgiris Vilnius suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat away to Pirma Lyga side FK Atmosfera in Mažeikiai, surrendering a first-half lead.

Atmosfera, currently sitting fourth in the Pirma Lyga, hosted the 14-time Lithuanian Cup winners Žalgiris, who recently appointed Andrius Skerla as head coach following the departure of Rolandas Džiaukštas.

The Vilnius side approached the match seriously and fielded a strong lineup. Their intent showed in the 35th minute, when Liviu Antal gave the visitors the lead and put them on course for progression.

However, the hosts stayed in the game and produced a stunning turnaround in the second half. In the 75th minute, Japanese forward Yutaro Funami equalised to spark belief among the home side. Just seven minutes later, another Japanese player, Kanta Seki, completed the comeback, leaving Žalgiris in shock.

Despite pushing in the closing minutes, Skerla’s team failed to find an equaliser that would have forced extra time. Instead, it was Atmosfera who celebrated arguably the biggest win in the club’s history, advancing to the Round of 16 of the Lithuanian Cup.

Elsewhere, Hegelmann progressed comfortably with a 4-1 away victory over Tauras Tauragė, while fellow A Lyga side Banga Gargždai also advanced after defeating Vilnius Vytis.

The second round will continue tomorrow with two more matches, before concluding next Tuesday with the remaining six fixtures.

Lithuanian Cup second round: