Rodrigao, Noboa and Barsov get Sochi European adventure up and running

UEFA Conference League, 2nd qualifying round 1st leg
Sochi 3-0 Kesla
Thursday 22 July, Fisht Olympic Stadium

Goals: Sochi - Rodrigao 10’, Noboa (pen) 66’, Barsov 80’

Rodrigao made history by scoring Sochi’s first-ever European goal and get the campaign off to a comfortable start. The Brazilian centre-back thumped home a firm header from Christian Noboa’s corner just 10 minutes into the game.

After dominating possession and shots but struggling to cut through clear-cut chances, the lead remained slender until midway through the second half. Nikita Burmitsrov was felled in the box, leaving Christian Noboa to convert the spot kick.

With 10 minutes remaining, Maksim Barsov stooped to glance home a lovely team move that was spurred by Burmistrov’s surging run. His ball out wide found Noboa, who curled a teasing cross for the striker to seal an emphatic win.

The return leg will take place next Thursday in Baku.

Next Conference League fixture: Thursday 29 July - Kesla vs Sochi