Drita vs Kauno Žalgiris prediction 14.07.2026 | Champions League Qualifiers

Drita won the title last year, winning the trophy in back-to-back seasons. They are entering this season as the main favorite for the title, but they haven't had a great preseason. They lost all three games to Romanian and Bulgarian teams - CSKA Sofia, Lokomotiva Sofia, and Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe. However, in the Champions League Qualifiers, they managed to secure that draw in the final moments of the game and are now in an excellent situation. That is particularly true considering they are a team that plays a lot better at home, especially in Europe. 

During the preseason, the team made some moves. Three important players left the squad - central defender Egzon Bejtulai, and two attacking wingers, Veton Tusha and Almion Ajzeraj. However, a few players arrived to replace those. Probably the best ones among them are defenders Altin Bytyci, Hajdin Salihu, and winger Igball Jashari. On paper, compared to the last season, this team looks a bit better defensively, but also a little worse on offense.

Unlike Drita, Kauno Zalgiris have been playing competitive football for almost five months. After 19 rounds in Toplyga, they sit at the top with 31 points, only one point away from 2nd-placed Suduva and 3rd-placed Dziugas Telsiai. However, after watching some of their games, we believe they are the best team in the league without a doubt. However, Kauno Zalgiris had massive problems in the European Qualifiers, especially on the road. In nine European Qualifiers road games, they had a terrible 1 win, 2 draws, and 6 losses with an atrocious goal difference of -18 (6:24)! 

After a 3:0 win over FK Panevezys, coach Zeljko Sopic spoke to the media. He said everyone got minutes in the match because he rotated the squad ahead of a crucial Champions League Qualifiers game against Drita. He called the victory an impressive result due to that fact and was very happy to win three points anyway.