Champions lose again to Žalgiris

2024-06-16 14:30 © Pauliaus Židonio

„TOPsport A lygos“ 17th round finished in Vilnius - at home, „Žalgiris“ defeated the champion „Panevėžys“. Vladimir Čeburin's team achieved victory after a fierce battle with a score of 2:1 (1:0).

The first half was quite open and it was favorable for the people of Vilnius. Liviu Antal scored into the top corner from a good position, Adam Fofana deflected the shot.

In the 19th minute, „Žalgiris“ took the lead: Joris Moutachy took advantage of space on the right side and made a pass into the penalty area, where Paulius Golubickas sent the ball into the goal. Shortly after, the goalkeeper could have celebrated a double, but Daniel Bukelis, making his debut in the „TOPsport A lyga,“ played successfully.

D. Bukelis also saved a shot from A. Fofana, with two more attempts from the „Žalgiris“ players coming close to the target. „Panevėžys“ also dangerously penetrated the penalty area, but did not seriously threaten Arpad Tordai.

In the second half, the teams created fewer threatening moments. Sivertas Gussias, who replaced the injured Noel Mbo, shot at A. Tordai, and P. Golubicko's goal was disallowed due to offside. In the 83rd minute, Joel Bopesu missed a good opportunity, and on the other side of the field, Federico Palacios missed the most grateful moment for „Panevėžys“.

In added time, goals were scored: in a counterattack after P. Golubicko's pass, J. Bopesu scored for the seventh time, however, after three minutes, the 19-year-old Nojus Lukšys equalized after a substitution in the penalty area.

The people of Vilnius lead the tournament table with 40 points, while „Panevėžys“ has 15 points and ranks ninth.