Sochi Hosts CSKA in a Tight RPL Clash That Ends 2-0
Sochi faced CSKA in the Russian Premier League during the 18th round, delivering a win that fixed the score at 2 goals to nothing in favor of the home side. The match built slowly, with a cautious start from both teams before the action began to tilt in Sochi’s direction in the second half.
The first half stayed scoreless as both defenses held firm and chances remained limited. In the 30th minute, a moment near the end of a defensive sequence sparked controversy. Willian Rocha attempted to clear from his own penalty area, only to have Vladislav Sarveli strike the ball as it ricocheted off Rocha’s foot. The incident prompted the referee, Vladislav Bezborodov, to consult VAR. After the review, no infringement by the Brazilian player was found and a penalty was not awarded, leaving the scoreline intact at 0-0 as the half closed.
As the second period unfolded, CSKA created a bright moment with a well-worked corner that culminated in Mozes driving a shot past Soslan Dzhanaev. However, the goal was ruled out due to an offside position by a Brazilian defender, nullifying the effort and denying the visitors a breakthrough. Five minutes later, Sochi found their rhythm and moved ahead thanks to a clever sequence that reflected their growing confidence in the attack. Substitute Luka Djordjevic reacted decisively to Artur Yusupov’s long throw, steering the ball past Igor Akinfeev in a one-on-one situation for a 1-0 lead.
With the home side energized, the Montenegrin striker then delivered a sharp finish moments later, extending the advantage and adding a sense of inevitability to Sochi’s performance as the clock ticked down. The goal sealed the match for the home team, and the stadium roared in response to the breakthrough that finally put the game beyond the reach of CSKA.
Post-match, Sochi accumulated 28 points and climbed to seventh place in the table, edging ahead of Orenburg and Krasnodar in the standings. CSKA remained in fifth, staying within the top tier but unable to overtake their rivals on this occasion. The result continued a recent trend in head-to-head meetings, with CSKA holding the upper hand in the last four encounters between the clubs, even as this one favored Sochi on the day.
Earlier reports had noted a different headline where Liverpool had defeated Manchester United by a wide margin of seven goals. That result stood apart from the domestic league action in Russia, adding another layer to the broader week in European football and serving as a contrasting reminder of the diverse outcomes that can unfold across the continent during the same period. The two matches illustrate the varied narratives that define a busy schedule, with league battles shaping the mid-table image in Russia just as blockbuster clashes draw attention across Europe. The season’s progression continues to throw up surprises, and both Sochi and CSKA will look to capitalize on their current form as they push toward the business end of the campaign.