The first friendly game of pre-season was held at VTB Novogorsk-Dynamo training base and ended in a 2:1 win for the White-Blues.
Dynamo returned to the well-known 4-3-3 formation under the guidance of Marcel Licka. Anton Shunin got the captain's armband. The central midfield included Aleksandr Kutitsky, Arsen Zakharyan and Ivan Zazvonkin, while Konstantin Tyukavin was accompanied by Vladislav Karapuzov and Andrey Mazurin who played on wings.
On the 14th minute the first goal of the match came. Kutitsky found Karapuzov between two defenders and the young winger opened the score. He advanced forward and sent the ball to the left bottom corner through a little ricochet.
Despite intensive training sessions and absence of day-offs the Muscovites kept the necessary tempo well. Zakharyan made clever passes – one of them reached Skopintsev who has been blocked by the defender.
On the 30th minute the visitors equalised unexpectedly. Ilik crossed to the middle of the box, where Roberto Fernandez made a poor interception and disorientated Shunin – 1:1.
After the break only Kutitsky saved his spot in the squad. Two 18-year-old centre-backs Leon Zaydenzal and Ivan Lepsky debuted for the first team. Vyacheslav Grulev appeared as a centre-forward.
Dynamo had a big advantage throughout the second half that needed to be converted into a goal. The great chance came to Daniil Fomin with the return of Zakharyan on the pitch. Arsen earned a penalty, but this useful action turned out to be in vain. Unfortunately, Fomin couldn't beat Islam Imamov.
On the 82nd minute Fomin managed to rehabilitate himself making a wonderful long pass to Makarov. Denis ran away from the defender, got around the goalkeeper and scored an empty netter. By the end of the match the White-Blues could double their lead, when Zakharyan came one-on-one with Imamov and missed this nice opportunity.
During the weekend Dynamo will take part in two Brother's Cup matches against CSKA, which will be held at VEB Arena on July 8 and VTB Arena on July 9.