Žalgiris continue Lithuanian Cup domination

VMFD Žalgiris became the second side to win the Lithuanian Cup three years in a row after defeating FK Banga 2-1 in the final.

Jakub Wilk opened the scoring for Žalgiris on 13 minutes with a long-range shot, and a Linas Pilibaitis header made it 2-0 before the break. Banga came back into the game through Evaldas Grigaitis' strike early in the second half, but were unable to find a leveller.

Buoyed by a large traveling support in a full Utena Stadium, Žalgiris were attacking from the outset and Andrius Velička had already gone close by the time Wilk found the corner of the net to open the scoring. Wilk and Artak Yedigaryan might have doubled the lead, before a Deividas Šemberas through ball was headed in by Pilibaitis seven minutes before half-time.

Banga came back into the game 12 minutes after restart when Grigaitis found space on the edge of the box and curled a shot beyond the reach of Armantas Vitkauskas. Although Banga had more possession thereafter it was Žalgiris who continued to look the likelier scorers, Velička passing up two presentable opportunities and Wilk's strike being saved by Arshiev.

There was one last chance for Banga, Aleksandr Russkih sending a long-range shot whistling over the bar on 89 minutes, but Žalgiris held on for a record eighth cup triumph, adding it to the 2013 league title. "It's great to make history and win the cup for the third straight time," said Žalgiris coach Marek Zub.

"We might have done it easier, but the all-important thing is that the cup stays with us," added veteran striker Andrius Velička, after winning his fifth cup. "You can never get enough of them. My trophy cabinet still has space!"