CORNERFLICK
As the World Cup 2026 is soon starting its third day, you would forget that there are still some domestic leagues that continue throughout the tournament. Lithuania's top flight, the TOPLYGA, is one of them, due to its status as a "Summer League". The space in the schedule is tight due to a long winter break and the introduction of a very long international break in the autumn.
Yesterday, it was time for the second "Vilnius Derby" of the year, between Žalgiris Vilnius and the troubled city rivals, FK Riteriai. Both Vilnius' clubs did not have the best first half of the season, with Žalgiris occupying a terrible 6th place in the table, and FK Riteriai heading for relegation (if they make it until the end of the season).
Nevertheless, Žalgiris had a strong showing in the first half, with striker Nikola Petković opening the score in the 22nd minute after an assist of Bryan Teixeira (1-0). FK Riteriai helped to expand Žalgiris' lead in the 32nd minute, by means of an own goal of Marko Karamarko (2-0). Žalgiris pushed on, and by the 34th minute, Matas Vareika made it 3-0.
The more than 1100 spectators must have thought that their very rainy stadium visit would be rewarded with even more goals, but perhaps did not expect that they would come from FK Riteriai. However, what was looking like a walk-over, nearly became a nightmare for Žalgiris. Riteriai's Deimantas Rimpa made it 3-1 in the 57th minute, and in the 74th minute, Marko Karamarko scored in the correct goal this time (3-2). From a beaten position, Riteriai came back in the game, and all Žalgiris did in the last part of the match was defending. But they held on till the end, and were able to add 3 point to their tally.
Anyways, coach Andrius Skerla has a lot to work on this weekend, as the next game is already waiting on Tuesday against FK Panevėžys. The good news is that the new players Dominik Franke (from FC Thun), Danny Koy Lupano (from FC Milsami) and Stanislav Bilenkyi (from Ironi Tiberias) are able to play, as the registration period for new players opens on the 15th of June (Monday).