Half-time substitutes earn Akhmat first goals and win over CSKA since 2017

Akhmat Grozny 2-0 CSKA Moscow
Sunday 1 May, Akhmat Arena

Goals: Akhmat - Utkin (46), Berisha (90+7)
Man of the Match: Daniil Utkin (Akhmat)

For five seasons in a row every CSKA trip to Grozny had been bringing them all three points, but the latest is one to forget for the Armymen. In 90 minutes they registered only one shot on goal and failed to score for the first time since 0-0 draw against Khimki in November. Even February-March hero Yusuf Yazici was substituted after 60 minutes of play.

Akhmat's activity impressed, especially Lechi Sadulaev who took four shots on goal in the first half, but he did not enter the second one. Bernard Berisha replaced the youngster marking his comeback from injury. His first action helped the hosts take control of the ball, and then Daniil Utkin scored outside the box, getting his ninth goal this season.

Active Berisha created a chance for another substitute Mohamed Konate, and he scored a beautiful volley, but VAR found an offside, as Artem Timofeev was closer to the net and was on the ball’s way. Finally, Berisha capitalized his chance, beating Igor Akinfeev one-on-one in the final minutes of added time. This marked the end to the Akhmat eight-game goalless and winless streak in the head-to-heads with the Armymen.

Akhmat go eighth on 35 points, while CSKA stay fourth on 47 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 7 May - Nizhny Novgorod vs Akhmat Grozny; CSKA Moscow vs Sochi