Kauno Žalgiris Advances in Champions League Qualifiers Amid Stadium Row

FK Kauno Žalgiris has advanced to the next round of Champions League qualifiers after a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory over Kosovo champions FC Drita. In a dramatic second leg played in Kosovo, the Lithuanian side secured a hard-fought 3-2 win, with newcomer Vykintas Slivka emerging as the hero by scoring two crucial goals.

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I want to congratulate both teams. It was not an easy match for us or for Drita.

The match was decided in added time when Amine Benchaibo converted a penalty, sealing the victory for Kauno Žalgiris. Despite conceding two "simple" goals, coach Željko Sopičius praised his team's character and inner strength for overcoming the challenges. He highlighted Slivka's performance, noting the player had only a 30% chance of playing before the match, underscoring the team's resilience.

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We conceded two very simple goals, about which I could say very bad words. But the character and inner strength of our players brought us where we are now.

Sopičius, who took over the team just two weeks prior, acknowledged that it takes time to implement changes. "I am not a magician, I cannot change everything overnight," he stated after the match. However, he expressed satisfaction with the team's progress and their advancement to the next stage, celebrating with his players.

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The guy who scored two goals – Slivka – had only about 30% chance to play before the match. Huge respect to my team and those who came on as substitutes, because they pushed us to the next stage.

Kauno Žalgiris will now face either KI Klaksvík of the Faroe Islands or FC Differdange 03 of Luxembourg in the next qualifying round. Despite the recent successes, Sopičius voiced frustration over the team's inability to play their home matches at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas due to upcoming concerts. He emphasized that winning the Lithuanian championship remains his primary goal for the year, expressing a desire to compete in a European tournament group stage by autumn.

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I am not a magician, I cannot change everything overnight, but I am glad that we have advanced to the next stage, so now I will raise a few glasses of beer for my guys.