Kaunas Žalgiris achieve historic feat despite Pitbull concert obstacles
Kaunas Žalgiris football club have reached a European group stage for the first time, overcoming KI Klaksvik 1-0 in the Champions League second qualifying round, despite being forced to play away from home due to a Pitbull concert.
On Wednesday, July 29, Kaunas Žalgiris defeated Faroe Islands' KI Klaksvik 1-0, securing a historic first-ever spot in a European group stage. The club became Lithuanian champions for the first time last year.
The only goal came in the 85th minute from Leons Krekovič. The first leg ended 0-0. Lithuanian media estimate Žalgiris has already earned at least €4 million in bonuses – four times more than the basketball club Žalgiris received from last season's ULEB Euroleague bonus.
The return match was not held at Kaunas stadium because a Pitbull concert is scheduled there on July 31. The game was moved to Jonava, 32 km away. Head coach Zeljko Sopić noted the conditions were not ideal – the team trained only once in Jonava, experienced traffic congestion on the way, and the pitch was slower than at home. He expressed disappointment that the club's historic match was not prioritized over the concert but acknowledged understanding of the financial benefits for the city and club.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda attended the match. Sopić admitted the first-half performance was unsatisfactory, but the team created 2-3 good chances and converted one.
In the third qualifying round, Žalgiris will face Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia's most decorated club with 26 titles. The first leg is on August 4 in Croatia, with the return match a week later, likely back in Kaunas. If Žalgiris loses in the third round, they will enter the UEFA Europa League playoff; even a loss there guarantees a spot in the Conference League. The last Lithuanian club to feature in a European group stage was Vilnius Žalgiris in 2022.
