Sochi were simply too strong for Gremio Novorizontino’s under-21 team as they won their first friendly of the year 2-1 on Tuesday. Goals from Viktor Morozov and Aleksander Karapetyn handed Vladimir Fedotov his first victory after four draws this winter.

Sochi were on top from the start with only haphazard last-ditch defending denying Andrey Bokov from Pavel Shakuro’s cross, and an indirect free kick at close range. It was the Brazilians who took the lead though with a lightning quick counter attack just after quarter of an hour.

On the half-hour mark, a Gremio player was sent off with a replacement allowed on in his place. Eight minutes later Viktor Morozov converted from 12 yards out after Andrey Mostovoy’s impressive run found his teammate completely free in the area.

Before half time Gremio wasted a glorious chance to regain the lead but blasted a clever pull back over the bar. After the break they were allowed to play with 12 players, but it did little to help their cause.

They gifted the winner to Sochi with a howler five minutes after the restart. Aleksandr Karapetyan was the grateful recipient of an open goal after the Gremio goalkeeper misjudged a simple clearance.

Next up for Sochi is 15-time Belarussian champions BATE Borisov on Friday 7 February.

Sochi 2-1 Gremio Novorizontino U-21
4 February, Turkey
Sochi goals: Morozov 38, Karapetyan 50

Sochi: N. Zabalotniy, Korkin, Miladinovic, Kalugin, Shakuro, Bakhtyrov, Koldunov, Pomerko, Mostovoy, Bokovoy, A. Zabalotniy