Žalgiris and Riteriai drew in a high-scoring derby

2025-03-07 21:02 © Saulius Čirba

The 2nd round of the "TOPsport A League" started in the capital, where a highly prolific Vilnius derby took place. In a match based on hurricane-like attacks between Vilnius "Žalgiris" and Vilnius "Riteriai," the score ended in a tie – 3:3 (3:1).

Although Lazaras Sajčičius, who received the ball from Roko Stanulevičius in the 7th minute, had a good opportunity to score, it was the Žalgiris players who surged ahead – already in the 13th minute, Garissonas Innocentas failed to react to a deceptive header by Nemanja Mihajlovičius, and just 3 minutes later, the Serbian player netted a goal with the help of a rebound.

Andrius Kaulinias managed to reduce the deficit in the 36th minute, outpacing Jurijus Kendyšas with his speed and overcoming Arpadas Tordajus. However, during added time, Ovidijus Verbickas fired a long-range shot into the near corner of the goal, and G. Innocentas once again lacked reaction.

Once again after the break, Nikola Vitorovičius' team managed to close the gap – taking advantage of the opponent's mistake, A. Kaulinis scored a second goal after Armando Šveistrio's cross. Although Meinardas Mikulėnas had a very favorable situation to equalize and failed to capitalize on it, just a few minutes later, he managed to find the net after a corner kick, with the forward scoring off a pass from Nojus Stankevičius.

In the 80th minute, Patrikas Matyžonokas found himself at the peak of a fast attack, and impressively, the "Riteriai" goalkeeper defended his team's goal, while Leifas Estevez shot over the bar during added time.

After playing two matches in the "TOPsport A League," "Žalgiris" lost their first points, while "Riteriai" earned their first point.