Defending champions Gintra of Šiauliai faced third-placed MFA Žalgiris-MRU of Vilnius in the Lithuanian Women's A League.

In round 17, the Šiauliai side won 2:0 (1–0 at half-time), strengthening their position in the title race.

Starting lineup:  G. Lukjančukė, I., Kuku (95' min. sent off), R. Beal, A. Mikutaitė, T. Romanovskaja, L. Ribeiro (83' min. S. Amorim), L. Kubiliūtė, L. Spenazzatto (90' min. E. Šupelytė), T. Brown (75' min. C. Caliz), M. Bowers (83' min. B. Taylor) M. Proscevičiūtė (46' min. J. Blaževičiūtė).

Goals:

Gintra: L. Spenazzatto (10' min. pen. and 79' min.) – 2.

VAR was used in a women's league match in the Baltic region for the first time at Raudondvaris Stadium. It was needed for several incidents, including the first-half penalty awarded by referee Ugnė Šmitaitė following a video review.

The victory leaves the Lithuanian champions top with 42 points. With only three rounds remaining, next weekend brings an almost decisive gold-medal battle and the chance of a 21st consecutive title. On Saturday, 11 October, Steve Beeks's team face nearest rivals TransINVEST of Vilnius district at Šiauliai Central Stadium, kicking off at 13:00.

Before that, however, Gintra make their historic debut in the inaugural UEFA Women's Europa Cup. The Lithuanian champions host Danish runners-up Nordsjælland of Farum in Šiauliai on 7 October at 18:00.

The return leg takes place in Denmark on 15 October. This and later rounds use a home-and-away format.

Club partner Ticketmarket is selling tickets for the Šiauliai match. Buy in advance via this link.

Raudondvaris saw an early goal when a 10th-minute VAR review identified handball in Žalgiris's penalty area. The A League's leading scorer Laura Spenazzatto confidently converted the resulting penalty for 1–0.

Another contentious first-half incident required VAR, but no second penalty was awarded against the nominal hosts. Meida Proscevičiūtė also had chances: one shot hit the post and another was cleared off the line by a Žalgiris defender.

Gintra continued controlling the second half confidently. Substitute Justina Blaževičiūtė, a recent Baltic Cup winner with Lithuania U19, brought fresh energy and attacking sharpness.

Opposing goalkeeper Meda Šeškutė repeatedly denied further goals, until L. Spenazzatto completed her brace with a deceptive, precise finish in the 79th minute to secure a 2–0 lead.

At the very end, Gintra's Idowu Kuku was shown a red card for a challenge the referee judged particularly dangerous, leaving the Šiauliai side to finish with ten players.

Match highlights:

Coach's comments: