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The most loyal fans of FK "Ekranas" have already awarded the team from Panevėžys with the epithet "Lithuanian Brazilians" in this year's A League championship. So far, the principled "Ekranas" team fully justifies such honorable evaluation from its fans, as written in a statement by the Panevėžys club.
On April 26, in front of over 1300 spectators at the "Aukštaitija" stadium, Panevėžys "Ekranas" convincingly defeated Vilnius "Žalgiris" with a score of 2-0 (1-0 after the first half). The goals for Panevėžys were scored by: 13th minute - Arūnas Klimavičius, 74th minute - a successful penalty kick by team captain Mantas Savėnas.
The main referee of the match, A.Žuta (FIFA category, Klaipėda), issued yellow cards to three "Žalgiris" players (P.Paknys in the 16th minute, A.Jakštas in the 53rd minute, A.Šilo in the 72nd minute) and to one "Ekranas" player (A.Kučys in the 70th minute).
During the press conference after the match, "Žalgiris" coach Saulius Širmelis praised the opponent's team, while "Ekranas" coach Virginijus Liubšys thanked his players for their fighting spirit.
"'Ekranas' is the best impression-making football team in Lithuania. Well-balanced team, mature players, excellent coach's work. Today, 'Ekranas' is fighting as the most mature team in Lithuania. I'm not saying that 'Žalgiris' played very poorly today, the team has potential, they just need more time and simply 'Ekranas' played better," said S.Širmelis.
"It was a fairly even match. We fought in every meter. Maybe it wasn't a very beautiful match for the spectators, but each team had memorable moments and opportunities to demonstrate their skills. I sincerely want to thank the men of 'Ekranas' - they felt tired, but they fought selflessly in these matches," said V.Liubšys.
On Saturday, April 30, "Ekranas" will face Klaipėda's "Atlantas" in Klaipėda. The match will start at 5 p.m.
