S. Vrevenas: "This is an achievement not only for the club, but also for Lithuanian football"

2024-07-18 14:26 © FK Panevėžys

"Panevėžio” football club confidently passed the first stage of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. In the return match, representatives of Aukštaitija defended successfully against attacks from the Helsinki HJK team - the match ended 1:1.

After a series that ended with an overall result of 4:1, "Panevėžio” coach Stijn Vreven stated that it was a great evening for both the club and the entire Lithuanian football community.

"It's not surprising that I will say that I am very proud of the team, staff, and the club. This is the biggest achievement in the history of the "Panevėžio” club. It is a great accomplishment not only for the club, but also for Lithuanian football. We got the toughest opponent in the draw, so no one expected anything from us, but you saw that we won 3:0 at home. We played very good matches, I think we deservedly advanced to the next stage. It's a fantastic day for everyone.

I am also happy because it was the biggest stage to show myself. Everyone knows that we have a tough season in the league. We have ups and downs there. After playing two such matches, like here - at home and away - I think it's a big achievement for everyone,” shared the coach from Belgium.

The guests were changing roles for a few minutes at the end of the first half, until defender Ernestas Veliulis performed a perfect raid and scored a very beautiful goal. According to the Panevėžys player, the goal scored in Helsinki was the most important in his career.

"Tough match, we really had to suffer a lot, they tried to press from the very beginning. We endured, suffered, scored a goal and maybe it relieved some tension, and calmed them down a bit. It's nice that we achieved a positive result and advanced to the next stage.

I think it's the most important goal of my career. At such a time, in such matches. I just got the ball and saw a tall defender in front of me. I darted into the open space, ran and luckily hit a good shot,” said E. Veliulis.

The first leg of the second stage of the Champions League qualifiers against Balstogė's "Jagiellonia” team will take place at the "Aukštaitija” stadium on July 23, on Tuesday. The match will start at 18:30.