Late Heroics Earn FC Drita Valuable Draw Against Kauno Žalgiris in Champions League Qualifier

KAUNAS, Lithuania — FC Drita rescued a crucial 1-1 draw away to FK Kauno Žalgiris thanks to Blerim Krasniqi's dramatic 82nd-minute equalizer in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium.

The Kosovan champions showed resilience after falling behind in the first half, with Krasniqi's late strike—confirmed following a VAR review—ensuring the tie remains perfectly balanced ahead of next week's decisive return leg in Pristina.

Kauno Žalgiris Strike First

The Lithuanian champions started brightly and nearly controlled the opening stages.

The first booking arrived in the 3rd minute, when Joris Moutachy was cautioned for the hosts. Their early pressure paid off in the 24th minute, as Amine Benchaib finished clinically to give Kauno Žalgiris a deserved 1-0 lead.

Benchaib later entered the referee's notebook himself after receiving a yellow card in the 53rd minute.

Drita Fight Back

Drita gradually grew into the match after the break.

Midfielder Blerton Sheji was booked in the 58th minute, while head coach Zekirija Ramadani responded with a series of substitutions aimed at injecting fresh energy into the side. Arb Manaj and Arbnor Balaj were introduced as Drita pushed for an equalizer.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 82nd minute.

Blerim Krasniqi calmly found the net after a well-worked attacking move, with the goal standing following a VAR review. His composed finish silenced the home crowd and handed Drita a priceless away result.

Kauno Žalgiris attempted one final push, but defender Anton Tolordava received a yellow card in the 88th minute as the Lithuanian side struggled to regain the lead.

Match Statistics

Despite creating fewer chances, Drita made the most of their opportunities.

Total Attempts: Kauno Žalgiris 4 – 6 FC Drita Corners: 4 – 4 Offsides: 2 – 0 Yellow Cards: Kauno Žalgiris 3 – 1 FC Drita Red Cards: None Historic European Occasion

The encounter represented a landmark moment for Kauno Žalgiris, who were making their first-ever UEFA Champions League appearance. It also marked the first competitive European meeting between clubs from Lithuania and Kosovo.

Football analysts believed the hosts held a physical advantage thanks to being in the middle of their domestic A Lyga campaign, while Drita relied on tactical discipline and experience to remain competitive throughout the contest.

Before kickoff, Drita coach Zekirija Ramadani insisted the tie would not be decided in Lithuania, and his team's late comeback proved that prediction correct.

Everything to Play For

Krasniqi's late equalizer gives Drita significant momentum heading into the return leg.

The second leg will be played on July 14, 2026, at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, Kosovo, where the winner will secure a place in the next round of the UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign.