The Baltic Women's Football League semi-final took place at Šiauliai Central Stadium on Sunday, pairing Lithuanian clubs Gintra and MFA Žalgiris-MRU. The other semi-final will be contested by the Riga clubs.

After a fierce contest, the Lithuanian champions lost 1:2 (0–2 at half-time) to Žalgiris, who advanced to the final.

Starting lineup:  G. Lukjančukė, R. Beal, I. Kuku, A. Mikutaitė, T. Romanovskaja, L. Ribeiro, L. Kubiliūtė (83' min. B. David), L. Spenazzatto, T. Brown, M. Bowers, B. Taylor (86' min. V. Igbonoba).

Goals:

Gintra: L. Spenazzatto (55' min.) – 1.

„MFA Žalgiris-MRU“: O. Adugbe (14' min. pen., 31' min.) – 2.

The visitors from the capital began more actively. There was little serious danger to Gintra's goal in the first ten minutes, but Steve Beeks's side struggled to take possession.

In the 13th minute, Ugnė Šmitaitė awarded a penalty against the hosts. Olamide Adugbe converted to put the Vilnius side 1–0 ahead.

Gintra took possession after conceding but could not make it count. O. Adugbe scored again on the counterattack in the 31st minute for 0–2. The hosts could not reduce the deficit before half-time.

Gintra returned with renewed energy and quickly restored the contest. In the 55th minute, Laura Spenazzatto finished skilfully into the bottom corner for 1–2.

Madison Bowers had a good chance in the 67th minute. Moments later, Lidiane Ribeiro could have headed the equaliser, but her effort went over the bar.

The yellow and blacks continued pressing Žalgiris's goal. A dangerous free kick won by L. Ribeiro produced another threatening effort, this time from Laura Kubiliūtė.

Despite every effort, S. Beeks's team could not turn the match around or take it into extra time. Žalgiris celebrated victory at the final whistle.

Gintra's European campaign continues with an upcoming UEFA Women's Europa League debut. The draw paired them with Danish runners-up Nordsjælland of Farum in the second qualifying round.

The first leg takes place in Šiauliai on 7 October at 18:00, with the return in Denmark on 15 October. This and subsequent stages use a home-and-away format.

Club partner Ticketmarket is selling tickets for the Šiauliai match. Prices will rise, so buy in advance via this link.

Match highlights:

Coach's comments: