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On Sunday, the 66th final of the LFF Cup will take place, where for the fourth time in the history of the tournament VMFD "Žalgiris" and Panevėžys "Ekranas" will meet.
The history of the Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) Cup dates back seven decades. The tournament started in 1947 when teams competed for the "Tiesa" cup established by the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic (LTSR). The cup, under this name, was known until the restoration of independence. Since 1990, the tournament has been called the LFF Cup.
"Žalgiris" and "Ekranas" in LFF Cup finals
"Žalgiris"
The Vilnius "Žalgiris" club was founded in 1947. Initially, it was called "Dinamo", and from 1948 to 1961 - "Spartak". In 1958, under this name, the Vilnius team reached the final of the then "Tiesa" cup for the first time in the club's history, winning 5:3 after extra time against the Kretinga "Melioratorius" team. In 1962, the Vilnius football club was named "Žalgiris."
The Vilnius "Žalgiris" team first appeared in the LFF Cup final in 1990, participating six times in a row until 1995.
The "Žalgiris" players have the most experience in LFF Cup finals, with Raimondas Vilėniškis and Algis Jankauskas appearing twice each. Andrius Skerla, Georgas Freidgeimas, Karolis Urbaitis, and "Žalgiris" team coach Mindaugas Čepas have each played in the finals once.
Panevėžys "Ekranas"
The Panevėžys "Ekranas" football team was established in 1964. After an eight-year break, in 1972, they played in the "Tiesa" Cup final for the first time, losing 3:2 to Kėdainiai "Nevėžis." The team returned to the final stage in 1985 after a thirteen-year hiatus, winning 4:3 in a penalty shootout against Kaunas "Banga" and winning their first trophy.
In the LFF Cup final, the Panevėžys representative team made their debut in 1993-1994, losing to "Žalgiris" 2:4. In 1997-1998, "Ekranas" returned to the final and won 1:0 against FBK "Kaunas."
