Lithuanian Second League Championship
The Lithuanian Second Football League (II Lyga) is a vital tier in the nation's football pyramid, featuring regional clubs hungry for promotion to the I Lyga. With 16 teams split into Northern and Southern zones in 2024, it fosters intense local rivalries and serves as a breeding ground for emerging talents aiming for professional levels.
History and foundation
Established in 1991 post-independence, the league navigated early turbulence with enthusiasm from clubs in Klaipėda and Panevėžys. Reforms in 2015 introduced zonal play to cut travel costs. Notably, Banga Gargždai rocketed from II Lyga to the A Lyga in two seasons by 2018. A 2020 match-fixing scandal prompted stricter LFF oversight, strengthening integrity.
Tournament format
The season runs April to November. Teams play 26 zone matches (home and away). Zone winners promote directly to I Lyga; runners-up enter playoffs. Bottom two relegate to III Lyga. This structure balances competition and logistics in Lithuania's climate.
Interesting facts
Matches average 3.2 goals, delivering thrilling, high-scoring action. 2023 top scorer: Napoleonas Rupšys (Tauras, 24 goals). All-time leader: Giedriminas Vilkauskas (156 goals). Standouts include Artūras Žmudas (ex-Žalgiris to Banga), Justas Lasickas (Kauno Žalgiris academy, U-21 international), and veteran Edvinas Žemaitis (300+ appearances). It's a launchpad for youth stars.