Siauliai 0–3 FK Žalgiris Vilnius: Dominant Žalgiris Cruise to Convincing Win in A Lyga

Sunday, 5 July 2026 – FK Žalgiris Vilnius underlined their title credentials with a clinical 3–0 victory over Siauliai at Savivaldybės stadionas in the Lithuanian A Lyga. The visitors controlled proceedings from the first whistle and were never seriously troubled by a Siauliai side that struggled to create clear-cut chances.

The result keeps Žalgiris firmly in the hunt for the league championship, while Siauliai remain in mid-table, now with back-to-back defeats to worry about.

Match Overview

Žalgiris started with their usual high press and quickly set about dismantling the home defence. The opening goal arrived in the 18th minute when winger Arvydas Novikovas cut inside from the left and curled a precise shot into the far corner, leaving Siauliai goalkeeper Mantas Bertašius with no chance.

The visitors doubled their lead just before half-time. A swift counter-attack saw midfielder Domantas Šimkus slide the ball through to striker Kipras Kažukolovas, who finished calmly from 12 yards. Siauliai’s defence looked disjointed, and Žalgiris exploited the spaces ruthlessly.

Key Moments

• 18’ – 0–1: Novikovas’s curling effort from outside the box beats Bertašius.
• 44’ – 0–2: Kažukolovas slots home after Šimkus’s incisive through-ball.
• 63’ – 0–3: Substitute Tautvydas Eliošius heads home from a corner, effectively ending the contest.
• 78’: Siauliai’s best chance – a long-range shot from Vilius Armanavičius that Žalgiris goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas tipped over the bar.

Tactical Story

Žalgiris head coach Vladimir Cheburin opted for a 4–3–3 formation that dominated the midfield battle. The trio of Šimkus, Olaoluwa Olasunkanmi, and the evergreen Saulius Mikoliūnas kept possession ticking over and forced Siauliai into chasing shadows. Siauliai tried to play on the break but lacked the pace to trouble the well-organised Žalgiris backline led by captain Petar Mamić.

Statistically, Žalgiris enjoyed 62% possession and registered 14 shots to Siauliai’s 3. The away side’s pressing game was especially effective in the first half, and they never allowed the home team to settle into any rhythm.

Standout Performers

• Kipras Kažukolovas (Žalgiris): A goal and an assist, constant movement troubled defenders.
• Arvydas Novikovas (Žalgiris): Opened the scoring with a superb finish and was a menace down the left flank.
• Edvinas Gertmonas (Žalgiris): Kept a clean sheet with a crucial save in the second half.

Impact on A Lyga Standings

With this win, Žalgiris climb to 2nd place in the A Lyga table, level on points with leaders Panevėžys but with a game in hand. Siauliai remain 7th, now five points adrift of the top four. The title race looks set to go down to the wire, and Žalgiris’s depth and experience were on full display here.

Next up for Siauliai is a tricky away trip to Kauno Žalgiris, while FK Žalgiris Vilnius host relegation-threatened Banga Gargždai.