CSKA Moscow 0-1 FC Sochi
Saturday 7 May, VEB Arena

Goal: Sochi - Makarchuk (10)
Sent off: CSKA - Akhmetov (90+2)
Man of the Match: Rodrigo (Sochi)

Earlier this spring CSKA, pushed by new winter signings, eliminated Sochi from the Russian Cup with Yusuf Yazici’s two assists and Igor Diveev’s brace. But now these are Vladimir Fedotov’s guys, who are in better shape, as they have never lost since a 2-3 defeat against Krylia Sovetov before the international break. On the other side, CSKA reached the game with only one win in the previous six matchdays.

As Igor Akinfeev was not ready 100 percent after an injury suffered in Grozny, 18-year-old Vladislav Torop made his debut in the RPL. It took Sochi ten minutes to beat the Armymen youngster, when Artem Makarchuk scored a header from Joaozinho’s cross. Sochi were forced to make their first substitute in the middle of the first half, as Ivelin Popov got a muscle injury.

All that CSKA had to create was just one shot on target, so Denis Adamov completed his second clean sheet in a row. Kirill Zaika, coming as a substitute, left CSKA with ten men in the added time, after Ilzat Akhmetov fouled on him as a last defender and was awarded with a direct red card. Sochi tied Dynamo on points and left behind due to head-to-head meetings, and the battle for the medals will be decided in the final matchday clash between the sides at VTB Arena.

CSKA remain fourth on 47 points, while Sochi stay third on 52 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Friday 13 May - Sochi vs Nizhny Novgorod; Sunday 15 May - Krasnodar vs CSKA Moscow