Russian Cup elite round kicks off with Khimki’s victory in Irkutsk

Russian Cup elite group stage, Group 5
Zenit Irkutsk 0-1 FC Khimki
Tuesday, 15 September, Irkutsk, Trud Stadium

Goal: Konate (64)

Khimki were the first RPL team to start in the Russian Cup elite stage, and Dmitry Gunko’s side got the away victory over Zenit Irkutsk from the PFL. Mohamed Konate scored the only goal on the 64th minute, just after coming for substitution.

Khimki and Zenit were drawn to the group 5 with FC Nizhny Novgorod from FNL. On the next matchday Zenit will host Nizhny Novgorod in Irkutsk, and on 21 or 22 October Khimki will meet with FNL side on their stadium.

In the elite group stage 30 participants were divided into 10 groups with one team from RPL, FNL and PFL. Each competitor will play two matches in the group, and 10 winners of the groups will join six teams, who represent Russia in the Champions League and Europa League, in the Round of 16.