"Žalgiris", which experienced shame in Mažeikiai, felt a similar emotion only 18 years ago.

2026-04-22 08:30 © Elvis Žaldaris

LFF cup's historical kings Vilnius "Žalgiris" on Tuesday demonstrated what many probably did not expect. They received a slap in the face from the First League club Mažeikiai "Atmosfera" – 1:2 at their first barrier and overall in the second round of the tournament.

Since the restoration of independence, there have been 36 seasons of the LFF cup, of which fourteen ended with "Žalgiris" triumphing. They have also been in the finals six more times, thus their dominance is assured and raises no questions.

It is interesting to look into the historical context and other unexpected failures. 

It is important to emphasize that the last time the magnificent Vilnius football club fell at their first stage in the LFF cup was 18 years ago, when the strongest four A league teams advanced directly to the quarterfinals.

In 2008, "Žalgiris" lost in the quarterfinals to "Šilutės FK," and in 2007 they fell to "FBK Kaunas." However, at that time it was the quarterfinal stage, unlike the second stage this year, meaning the sixteenth finals. 

Indeed, the last truly embarrassing exit of "Žalgiris" from the LFF cup occurred in 2009, when they failed to overcome the team of Plikiai "Sakuona" in the round of 16.

The green and white club usually almost always overcame at least one stage. The two most recent attempts are also worth mentioning since in 2024 the players of "TransINVEST" were superior in the third round of the tournament, and last year "Kauno Žalgiris" defeated competitors from Vilnius.

Among currently existing clubs, "Ekranas" has won the most LFF cups with five such achievements, while among other TOP LIGA clubs, "Sūduva" stands out with three cups in its history.

The LFF cup season continues, and at the very beginning of it is a true "Atmosfera" surprise for the ambitious "Žalgiris" team.