RPL Matchday 18
FC Sochi 2-0 CSKA Moscow
Sunday 5 March, Fisht Central Stadium, Sochi

Goals: Sochi – Djordjevic (71, 78)

Almost four years past since Kurban Berdyev held last RPL game as Rubin head coach in May 2019, and now he returned taking Sochi in charge. CSKA were among main rivals for Berdyev teams, his Rubin and Rostov battled the Armymen in title race. First half was goalless, but the hosts were close to score, Georgy Melkadze’s goal was denied with offside, and Igor Akinfeev prevented Sergey Terekhov to get goal with save from bottom corner.

CSKA found the way to the net through free kick, when Moises tipped the ball from the free kick, but VAR called it off, as winger was caught in offside during Willian Rosha’s play. Sochi turned the game on their side, after Luka Djordjevic came to the field. Moments after substitution the forward scored to the top corner getting first goal as Sochi player, and seven minutes later he caught lucky bounce in the penalty area and converted it into brace. This win kept Sochi the only RPL side without defeats at home stadium.

Sochi go up to seventh with 28 points, while CSKA stay fifth having a point more.

Next RPL fixtures: Friday 10 March – Sochi vs Orenburg; Sunday 12 March – CSKA vs Krylia Sovetov