Nizhny Novgorod 1-0 FC Sochi
Monday July 26, Nizhny Novgorod Arena, Nizhny Novgorod

Goal: Nizhny Novgorod - Gorbunov 68’
Man of the Match: Artur Nigmatullin (Nizhny Novgorod) 

RPL newcomers Nizhny Novgorod enjoyed a successful return to the top flight as they beat Sochi through a solitary goal. Substitute Igor Gorbunov scored the winning goal just seconds after coming on. 

Sochi had taken care of Azeri outfit Kesla in their European qualifier on Thursday, but couldn’t start their league season in similar fashion. They now have the second leg in Azerbaijan to look forward to. 

Next RPL fixtures: Sunday 1 August - Ural Ekaterinburg vs Nizhny Novgorod; Monday 2 August - Akhmat Grozny vs Sochi