Dinamo Tbilisi eliminated from Conference League after 7-2 defeat by Zalgiris

Dinamo Tbilisi, managed by Temur Ketsbaia, suffered a historic elimination from the UEFA Conference League on July 30, 2026. Despite a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Georgia, the team collapsed in Vilnius, losing 7-2 to Zalgiris. This resulted in a 7-5 aggregate score, allowing the Lithuanian club to advance to the third qualifying round.

The defeat represents a second major blow for Dinamo Tbilisi in a single week, following a humiliating exit from the Georgian Cup against third-tier side Guria Lanchkhuti. The poor run of form has sparked intense criticism in Georgia, with media outlets describing the situation as a new low for the nation's football. Coach Temur Ketsbaia has faced significant backlash for his player recruitment and management, with reports indicating he left the stadium immediately after the match without shaking hands with the opposing manager.