Rostov hit back twice after Agalarov double

Rostov 2-2 Ufa
Sunday 21 November, Rostov Arena

Goals: Rostov - Poloz (pen) 21’, Almqvist 59’; Ufa - Agalarov 16’, (pen) 57’
Man of the Match: Pontus Almqvist (Rostov)

Gamid Agalarov was once again Ufa’s hero as he twice put Ufa in front, only for his side to be pegged back both times.

The RPL top goalscorer has been in blistering form, but his opener was the easiest goal he will ever score. Erving Botaka Ioboma flicked on a corner towards the back post where Yuri Zhuravlev knocked it back across goal for Agalarov to tap into an empty net from inches out. 

He earned a penalty 10 minutes after the break when Dennis Hadzikadunic dragged his shirt, and predictably he stepped up and made no mistake.

Dmitry Poloz had responded to his first goal with a spot kick of his own just five minutes after Agalarov had broken the deadlock, and once again the wait to get back on level terms was not long.

Two minutes after going 2-1 up, Ufa broke forward again through Filip Mrzljak, but he was dispossessed by Danila Sukhomlinov, who launched a long hopeful ball over the defence towards Pontus Almavist. Within seconds of defending their own penalty area, Rostov were back level after the Swede’s pinpoint finished arrowed into the bottom corner.

Nikolay Komlichenko somehow missed a glorious chance to complete a dramatic comeback with eight minutes remaining after he contrived to squirm an effort wide from three yards out after some sloppy defending had gifted an opening.

Rostov remain 11th on 17 points, while Ufa stay 12th on 15 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 27 November - Akhmat vs Rostov; Monday 29 November - Ufa vs Spartak