RPL Matchday 8
FC Krasnodar 2-1 FC Sochi
Saturday 3 September, FC Krasnodar Stadium

Goals: Krasnodar – Olusegun (49), Spertsyan (52); Sochi – Melkadze (65)
Man of the Match: Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar)

First derby between Krasnodar Region teams suffered a loss at the beginning, as Aleksandr Chernikov got injured in unlucky tackle, and Mihajlo Banjac came on the pitch instead of Krasnodar graduate. In the final minutes of the first half Sochi made big pressure on the hosts, and Christian Ramirez saved the ball on the goal line to prevent Vanja Drkusic goal.

After the half-time Krasnodar were on fire, Banjac took the ball to the box and assisted Olakunle Olusegun to get the lead. Moments later Sergey Volkov earned another save on the goal line for his team, and it started the counterattack, which was finished by Eduard Spertsyan and his classy shot behind Denis Adamov’s back, it tied the Bulls number ten with Quincy Promes as RPL top scorers.

Sergey Volkov gave three-goal lead to Krasnodar after the rebound from the corner kick, but VAR called it off, as hosts player was offside. Next Sochi attack helped them to beat Matvey Safonov, Georgy Melkadze scored in the second straight league game. Former Krasnodar player Joaozinho came on the pitch to help his Sochi side get the equalizer, but his shot was saved by Safonov, and Krasnodar extended winning streak to three games.

Krasnodar are tied with standings leaders Zenit on 17 points, as current champions will face Spartak on Sunday, while Sochi stay fifth with 13 points.

Next RPL fixtures: Friday 9 September – Sochi vs Dynamo; Saturday 10 September – CSKA vs Krasnodar