The first competitive meeting between Kauno Žalgiris and Drita ended 1:1. The Lithuanians, who claimed the A Lyga title for the first time in their history in 2025 to earn a maiden berth in Champions League qualifying, were the more deserving side for long periods in front of their own supporters. Drita, Kosovo's champions and a side with considerably more European pedigree in recent seasons, had to wait until late in the game to draw level.
Early lead through Amine Benchaib
The tone was set as early as the second minute, when Moutachy picked up the game's first yellow card – a sign of the intensity to come. Kauno Žalgiris were undeterred. In the 24th minute, Amine Benchaib converted an assist from Lekiatas to make it 1:0. The Belgian midfielder of Moroccan descent had been a central figure in Lithuania's historic title triumph and wasted no time making his mark on the European stage. Žalgiris kept a firm grip on proceedings and went into half-time with their lead intact.
Drita turn the screw – Krasniqi strikes to level
The second half told a different story. Benchaib was shown a yellow card in the 53rd minute, and Drita began to assert themselves. Kauno Žalgiris responded with a triple substitution in the 66th minute, bringing on Iyobosa Edokpolor, Kadric and Slivka for Karashima, Renan Oliveira and Leo Ribeiro. Drita countered with their own double change in the 71st minute, throwing on Balaj and Manaj for Jashari and Abazaj. The Kosovan side, who had reached the Conference League play-off round the previous season, drew on that experience to good effect. Blerim Krasniqi finished off a pass from Ovouka in the 82nd minute to make it 1:1. The Albanian striker proved to be Drita's match-winner – and was substituted off just four minutes later. Tolordava received a yellow card for Žalgiris in the 88th minute, but there was to be no further change in the scoreline.
Assessment and outlook
Kauno Žalgiris lined up in a 4-1-4-1, with Drita opting for a 4-3-1-2. The visitors' tactical adjustments in the second half, combined with the freshness of their substitutes, shifted the balance of the game. For Žalgiris head coach Željko Sopičius, who had taken charge only shortly before the match following Eivinas Cerniauskas's departure, the 1:1 is a mixed return: the lead was deserved, but the late goal conceded was avoidable. The second leg will determine whether the Lithuanians can extend their maiden Champions League adventure.
