Gintra of Šiauliai opened a new chapter in their history on Tuesday evening. The Lithuanian champions made their debut in the inaugural UEFA Europa Cup, facing Danish runners-up FC Nordsjælland of Farum in the second qualifying round.

In the first leg, Steve Beeks's team showed admirable determination and character to defeat their opponents from a major football nation by 1:0 (0:0).

The return leg takes place in Denmark on 15 October. This qualifying round, like the main competition, uses a home-and-away format.

Starting lineup:  G. Lukjančukė, I., Kuku, R. Beal, A. Mikutaitė, S. Amorim, T. Romanovskaja, L. Ribeiro L. Spenazzatto (90' min. C. Caliz), T. Brown, M. Bowers, B. Taylor (81' min. V. Igbonoba).

Goals:

Gintra: L. Spenazzatto (58' min.) – 1.

Both teams began without much caution and created early chances. Laura Spenazzatto threatened from distance but fired over, while the Danes responded with an attack safely dealt with by Greta Lukjančukė.

In the 16th minute, Gintra striker Briana Taylor had a good opportunity following an error in the penalty area, but could not connect successfully and the score remained unchanged.

The teams continued exchanging attacks midway through the half, although the Danish visitors had more possession. G. Lukjančukė responded reliably to their attempts. In the 28th minute, Nordsjælland midfielder Signe Antvorskov found space in the penalty area, but again the goalkeeper dealt with the threat.

Gintra created an excellent chance from a corner when Sabrina Amorim was in the right place, but the goalkeeper and defenders denied her two attempts. Neither side scored before half-time.

The hosts began the second half explosively. Supporters rose to their feet in the 58th minute when leading scorer Laura Spenazzatto struck spectacularly under the crossbar for 1–0.

The Danes regained the initiative, but Gintra's defenders and G. Lukjančukė stopped every attack. L. Spenazzatto continued troubling the opposing defence and creating effective moments. Midway through the half, Carli Scheuer had an equalising opportunity, but the defender's effort was off target.

In the 81st minute, Danish defender Bongeka Gamede went one-on-one with G. Lukjančukė. The Gintra goalkeeper again won the duel.

Despite the opponents' efforts to equalise, Gintra prevented a late goal and celebrated a deserved victory.

Match highlights:

Goalscorer L. Spenazzatto's reaction:

Head Coach S. Beeks's reaction: