Zalgiris win Lithuanian Cup ahead of Brighton clash

Kauno Zalgiris claimed their first-ever Lithuanian Cup title on Sunday, beating second-tier Kretinga Minija 3-0 in a final played at their home Darius and Girenas Stadium in Kaunas — just four days before their UEFA Conference League tie at Brighton.

Leon Krekovic opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Gabriel Debeljuh doubled the lead six minutes into the second half following a strong run from Amine Benchaib. Marko Konatar sealed the win 17 minutes from time, heading home a Krekovic cross.

"I am incredibly proud of my guys," said head coach Zeljko Sopic. "The way they played, the way they train, the way they work every day, it's something amazing. You have to understand that this is the first time in the club's history that we have won a cup."

The cup win follows Zalgiris's debut A-Lyga championship last November. The club had failed to reach the final in four recent semi-final attempts before Sunday's victory.

Sopic acknowledged Brighton represent a significant step up in class. "Brighton are a slightly better team. Not by much, but a little better," he said with a laugh. "I watched their match on Saturday, and I also saw how they played against Manchester United and Arsenal. They have a very good coach; they are a top-level team."

Thursday's visit to the Amex Stadium will be Zalgiris's first match against English opposition. Sopic confirmed his squad had been managed across both fixtures from the outset. "We already had a plan before this match, which players would play today and which ones on Thursday."

Zalgiris also remain on course for back-to-back league titles, sitting one point clear of Suduva with a game in hand ahead of the two sides meeting next Sunday.