RPL Matchday 3
FC Pari Nizhny Novgorod 2-2 CSKA Moscow
Sunday 31 July, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium

Goals: Pari NN - Suleymanov (60, 85); CSKA - Chalov (14), Kuchaev (22)
Man of the Match: Timur Suleymanov (Pari NN)

CSKA were the only participants to get two wins in two matchdays, but trip to Nizhny Novgorod ended with first point drop. Meanwhile the journey started great, as the Armymen got two-goal advantage in 22 minutes. Firstly, Fedor Chalov caught wonderful pass from Maksim Mukhin and sent the ball past Artur Nigmatullin scoring his first goal after coming back from Basel loan. Secondly, Konstantin Kuchaev, another player returned from loan, tipped Milan Gajic’s cross with head.

Despite conceding twice, Nizhny Novgorod team had more attempts and ball possession, but could not score before the half-time. Comeback started, when Timur Suleymanov entered the field, young striker returned to the squad after one-game suspension due to red card. Just two minutes past from the substitution, when his left-foot shot found the right corner to cut CSKA lead. 25 minutes later Suleymanov, not the highest player in Mikhail Galaktionov’s roster exactly, beat Igor Diveev in the air and sent his second in the game. The Red-Blues’ reserve could steal a win in the final minutes, but Anton Zabolotny missed the net, while tipping Vladislav Yakovlev pass from right wing.

CSKA have seven points following three games, while Pari NN move forward with two points.

Next RPL fixtures: Saturday 6 August - CSKA vs Fakel; Sunday 7 August - Sochi vs Pari NN