FC Rostov 0-2 Dynamo Moscow
Friday July 23, Rostov Arena, Rostov

Goals: Dynamo - Zakharyan (20), Tyukavin (33)
Man of the Match: Arsen Zakharyan (Dynamo)

The 2021/22 season of the Russian Premier Liga kicked off with an exciting encounter between Dynamo Moscow and FC Rostov. Even before the game had started, news of Rostov manager Valery Karpin being appointed as Russia manager had stolen the limelight and set the tone for a night of drama. 

Things didn’t go to plan for Karpin’s Rostov though, who went behind after just 20 minutes due to a goal from boy wonder Arsen Zakharyan. Konstantin Tyukavin, another teenage star, scored soon after and doubled Dynamo’s advantage. Rostov couldn’t do much in the second half despite bringing on the likes of Swedish striker Pontus Almqvist and Pavel Mamaev.

Also worth noting is the fact that Diego Laxalt and Fabian Balbuena also made their debuts for Sandro Schwarz’s men after signing in the summer. The two had been touted as major additions to Dynamo’s defence, and delivered with a solid performance.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 31 July - Ufa vs Dynamo Moscow; Sunday 1 August - Rostov vs Zenit St. Petersburg