Žalgiris held to 1-1 draw by St Patrick’s Athletic in Youth League

Žalgiris took a 1-1 draw from the first leg of their UEFA Youth League second-round tie against St Patrick’s Athletic in Dublin. Vakaris Berenta put the Lithuanian side ahead in the 56th minute, but Samuel Ogungbe equalised four minutes before the final whistle.

Žalgiris defended in an organised fashion as the hosts enjoyed more possession. Goalkeeper Dominykas Čekavičius saved efforts from Billy Canny and Niall Sullivan in the first half, while Tomas Grigaliūnas had the visitors’ best early chance, shooting at the goalkeeper from around 16 metres.

Berenta broke the deadlock after Dovydas Šumkauskas won possession in midfield and sent a long pass forward. The striker ran through on goal and finished past the goalkeeper. St Patrick’s threatened after the break, and Ogungbe levelled in the 86th minute with a follow-up effort after a corner.

The closing stages were delayed after Čekavičius was injured. With Žalgiris unable to make any more substitutions, Karolis Chrustaliovas took over in goal. The final whistle came almost 20 minutes after the scheduled end of normal time. The return leg is in Vilnius on 4th November.

Source: fkzalgiris.lt