Round 16 of the Lithuanian Women's A League brought the leaders together. After an eventful, hard-fought away contest in which they equalised twice, Gintra finally 3:2 (2–2 at half-time) overcame Vilnius MFA Žalgiris-MRU.
The teams began level on points, although Gintra had a game in hand. Victory strengthened the multiple champions' position in the title race.
Interestingly, the teams' first meeting in the capital ended with the same score.
Lineup: A. Bikutė, A. Mikutaitė (C), T. Romanovskaja, N. Oronoz, A. Sunday, R. Diodati, M. Galkina, E. Šupelytė (88' min. L. Kubiliūtė), S. Kashima (68' min. A. Pauletto), J. Sunday, J. Bassey.
Goals:
„Gintra“: J. Bassey (39', 78') – 2, S. Kashima (26') – 1.
The crucial Vilnius contest began with a home goal from a corner in the 12th minute.
Gintra stayed composed and equalised ten minutes later through Seina Kashima's superb long-range strike, which gave the goalkeeper no chance: 1–1.
Žalgiris regained the lead with a quick attack, but again held it only briefly. Juliet Bassey's solo run restored parity in the 39th minute for 2–2.
Both goals saw danger in a fiercely contested second half. In the 77th minute, Bassey skilfully headed substitute Ally Pauletto's delivery into the net to complete her brace and put Gintra 3–2 ahead.
No further goals followed, and Gintra celebrated a vital victory.
On 19 August, the Lithuanian champions face Flora Tallinn in the Baltic League final at Šiauliai Central Stadium. Admission is free for all supporters.
Šiauliai also hosts Champions League qualifying on 6–9 September. Group 8 brings Gintra together with Welsh champions Cardiff City, Scotland's Glasgow City and Irish champions Shelbourne for one place in the main tournament.
Gintra face Cardiff City in the semi-final. Stand with the team: every supporter's presence at the stadium matters! Buy your tickets now through this link.