Akhmat Grozny 1-2 FC Sochi
Sunday 1 August, Akhmat Arena, Grozny

Goals: Akhmat - Iancu 86’; Sochi - Utkin (OG) 26’, Dugandzic 59’
Man of the Match: Christian Noboa (Sochi)

After a narrow defeat to Nizhny Novgorod in their season opener, Sochi bounced back to comfortably beat Akhmat in Grozny. Ecuadorian midfielder Cristhian Noboa was once again the star man, and it was his free kick that Daniil Utkin deflected into his own net. Emboldened by the goal, Sochi pushed on and doubled their advantage through Marko Dugandzic at the hour mark.

Akhmat got a consolation towards the end of the match as Gabriel Iancu lashed a shot in from outside the box, but it wasn’t enough. Vladimir Fedotov’s side rounded off a solid win and will now play Partizan Belgrade in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday 

Next RPL fixtures: Sunday 8 August - Rubin vs Akhmat; Monday 9 August - Sochi vs Ural