RPL Matchday 6
FC Rostov 2-2 FC Sochi
Saturday 20 August, Rostov Arena

Goals: Rostov – Melnikov (83), Komlichenko (90+2); Sochi – Noboa (pen 44), Yusupov (69)
Sent off: Rostov – Melekhin (90+4)
Man of the Match: Denis Adamov (Sochi)

Two Southern sides showed great performance at Rostov Arena, and it ended in a draw. Rostov was close to get a goal in the opening minutes, and Maksim Osipenko hit the post after corner kick. Later the Yellow-Blues top scorer Nikola Komlichenko was awarded with penalty, but his shot was saved by Denis Adamov. Before the break Sochi got their chance to score from the spot, and Christian Noboa did not miss scoring fourth goal this season, three of them came from penalties.

Visitors advantage became two-goal after wonderful shot into the top corner by Artur Yusupov, both he and Noboa previously played for Rostov. After 80th minute Valery Karpin side turned on, and Stepan Melnikov gave a chance scoring from distance his first ever RPL goal. Daniil Utkin proved again his skills on set pieces, as his cross in the injury time from the free kick was tipped by Komlichenko and tied the game.

And that was not the end. Rostov left with 10-man after two yellow cards for Viktor Melekhin, but later Denis Terentyev was kicked by Kirill Kravtstov in the box marking third penalty in the match. As Komlichenko missed first attempt and Dmitry Poloz has been already substituted, Utkin took the shot, and Adamov saved the ball with little touch again and prevented scoring from the rebound.

Rostov tie on 12 points with Dynamo, who beat Spartak earlier, while Sochi are sixth on 10 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Friday 26 August – Sochi vs Khimki, Sunday 28 August – Rostov vs CSKA