UEFA Europa League started the qualifying matches of the 1st stage. Three Lithuanian clubs entered the competition to fight for a spot in the group stage.
The first match took place in Gargzdai, where local team "Banga" clashed with the Irish team "Sligo Rovers." In this match, spectators did not see any goals, and the battle moved to the second leg.
In the other matches, Klaipeda's "Atlantas" failed to achieve a positive result as guests. They lost 1-0 to the Luxembourg team "Differdange."
In this match, the winning goal was scored by Omar Er Rafik in the 87th minute. Jeremy Meligner provided the assist.
Panevezys' "Ekranas" also couldn't break through for a victory as guests. The multiple Lithuanian champions lost 3-1 to the Northern Ireland team "Crusaders."
The second leg matches between the teams will take place on July 10th.
Results:
Gargzdai "Banga" 0 - 0 "Sligo Rovers"
"Differdange" 1 - 0 Klaipeda "Atlantas" 87' [1 - 0] O.Er Rafik
"Crusaders" 3 - 1 Panevezys "Ekranas" 23' [1 - 0] S.Cockcroft 43' [2 - 0] J.Owens 58' [3 - 0] C.Coates 88' [3 - 1] A.Suscinar
