Futsal A League: In the eleventh round – a showdown between the finalists

2024-12-06 12:21 © lff.lt

The multiple-time champions of Lithuania's "TOPsport futsal A league" will face the multiple-time vice-champions of the "TOPsport futsal A league" or "Kauno Žalgiris" will clash with Jonavos "Vikingai" on Sunday, repeating the finals series of the last five years. This will be the second meeting of these teams in the 2024/2025 season.

Another intriguing match is expected in Naujoji Akmenė, where "Akmenės kraštas" will host the "Gargždų pramogų" players, who will be coming off a loss. "Bruklinas" will face "VGTU Vilkai" at home in Vilkaviškis, and VIP will play against "Kėdainiai United".

Having advanced without losses, "Kauno Žalgiris" wrapped up the first round with their eighth consecutive victory and 24 points on the tournament table. The "Vikingai" also achieved a win in their last match, defeating "VGTU Vilkai" 2:0.

In their first encounter on October 18, the "Vikingai" came close to victory against their rivals from Kaunas, but ultimately the champions triumphed 6:4. This time, both teams' captains predict intrigue.

"There is definitely a different mentality before the match against the 'Vikingai' because we have played in the finals with this team for several years. Their team leaves a good impression; their chemistry is becoming more noticeable," praised Justinas Zagurskas regarding their opponents.

"The mentality does somewhat differ compared to other teams. Of course, we haven't changed much in training; the preparation was more or less the same as for every opponent, but the coach emphasized a few moments from our first encounter," he added.

"The form of 'Kauno Žalgiris' is definitely good. Maybe they are slightly affected by the fact that they no longer have their main player Wepa, but even without him, there are players who can step up," stated Paulius Osauskas.

Another interesting clash is awaited in Naujoji Akmenė, where "Akmenės kraštas" will seek revenge against "Gargždų pramogos", who defeated them in the first round. The latter team suffered a disappointing loss to "Bruklinas" last week.

"That loss reminded us again that the team that turns more chances into goals wins the match. The game against 'Bruklinas' was even; we had our moments, but we struggled with finishing. We just lacked some cool heads both in trying to complete situations and in making the final pass," he elaborated.

Speaking of the upcoming matches, we expect a good competitive battle, a good fighting game. No one gives away points for free, and we enter every match fighting only for victory. Each match is another battle for us for three points," said Lukas Sipavičius, who joined "Gargždų pramogų" this year.

The representatives of "Kėdainiai United", who were very close to scoring their first points last weekend, will try to open their account in the upcoming duel against Mažeikiai VIP. In the first round, the victory went to the Mažeikiai team; however, since then, the Kėdainiai squad has become stronger.

"After the match against 'Akmenės kraštas', we felt very disappointed because we could have clinched at least one point. Our roster has strengthened since the first round, our game is improving, so on Sunday, our team hopes to bounce back from the bottom and earn our first points," said Gintaras Griškevičius, who scored twice last weekend.

In the last matches of the eleventh round, "Bruklinas" will host "VGTU Vilkai". In the capital, "Vilkai" seriously challenged their opponents but ultimately lost 6:7. This time, they will try to sort things out more quickly.

"The victory in Gargždai not only uplifted us emotionally but also made significant changes in the standings. We jumped to second place and would love to stay there. The first task is indeed the challenge posed by 'Vilkai'. Their game improves with each match, and I hope that peak will not come in Vilkaviškis. We must win this match not only for a higher position in the table but also for our fans, whose support always gives us extra energy," commented Gintaras Čibirka from "Bruklinas".

Round 11 schedule

December 7 at 1:00 PM: "Akmenės kraštas" – "Gargždų pramogos"

December 7 at 6:30 PM: "Bruklinas" – "VGTU Vilkai"

December 8 at 2:00 PM: "Kauno Žalgiris" – "Vikingai"

December 8 at 2:00 PM: VIP – "Kėdainiai United"