Winline RPL Winter Cup
Matchday 1
FC Krasnodar 1-0 FC Sochi
Friday 3 February, Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Goal: Krasnodar – Kaio (24)
Sent off: Sochi – Meschaninov (80)

Second Winter Cup match in Abu Dhabi united teams, who changed coaching staffs during the break. Vladimir Ivic took the duties in Krasnodar after leaving Israel, while Kurban Berdyev came back to Russia from Iran to join Sochi. The Bulls made success of scoring first tournament goal, Junior Alonso’s shot was saved by Nikolay Zabolotny but Kaio converted from second chance.

Both teams used coach’s challenges for referee video review. Sochi’s call in the first half for handball was rejected, while Krasnodar used the attempt for possible red card after Artem Meschaninov’s tackle on Kady Borges, and referee Sergey Ivanov changed the decision and sent Sochi defender off. After keeping the win Krasnodar made top of the Winter Cup standings.

Standings: 1. Krasnodar (3 points); 2. Spartak (2); 3. Rostov (1); 4. Sochi (0)

Next Winter Cup matches: Monday 6 February – Sochi vs Rostov, Krasnodar vs Spartak