Atlantas a step closer to silverware
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
Article summary
FK Atlantas have advanced to the Lithuanian Cup final without a ball being kicked.
Article body
FK Atlantas have advanced to the Lithuanian Cup final by virtue of their semi-final opponents, FK Inkaras, withdrawing from the competition.
Inkaras bankrupt
Inkaras director Kastytis Klimas revealed the club's bankrupt state on Tuesday and announced the team's withdrawal from both the Lithuanian First Division and the national knockout competition. Inkaras are expected to drop down to the lower reaches of the league system as a result of their financial difficulties.
Kijanskas on target
Atlantas will face the winners of the two-legged encounter between FK Vetra and FK Zalgiris Vilnius in the Lithuanian Cup showpiece on Saturday 17 May. Vetra hold a slender 1-0 advantage after Tuesday's first leg, settled by a solitary 40th-minute goal from Saulius Kijanskas.
Added incentive
The second leg will take place on 22 April, with the added incentive of a place in next season's UEFA Cup at stake. Atlantas have already secured second place in the championship - and with it a place in the UEFA Cup - meaning that if they win the knockout competition, the defeated finalists would join them in Europe.
