The encounter of the RPL eighth round that was held at the Fisht Arena ended in a 1:0 victory in Dynamo’s favor.
In comparison with the previous match against Nizhny Novgorod, Sandro Schwarz made four changes to the starting eleven. Two of them were unexpected – Shunin and Laxalt got injuries during the training cycle. Leshchuk took his chance coming to the pitch for the first time this season, and Skopintsev appeared on the left wing of the defense. Balbuena also returned to the starting XI, while Grulyov replaced Tyukavin on the edge of the attack.
The White-Blues succeeded in the first bright offensive. In the 12th minute the teenage superstar Arsen Zakharyan scored an early goal from some frantic pressure by Sebastian Szymanski. The Polish international won back possession and threaded a ball through for Zakharyan who managed to slot the ball into the bottom corner – 1:0.
High pressure of Dynamo could make the difference in two other occasions when Moro and Makarov finished off the attacks after nice intercepting. On the other half of the pitch Leshchuk also had much work. The hosts increased the pace before the interval and the Dynamo goalkeeper had to show off his skills denying Tsallagov and Zaika’s attempts.
During the break, Schwarz replaced Zakharyan for Parshivlyuk. This tactical move added more security for the visitors. However, Sochi players continued to show themselves off near Dynamo penalty box. Igor Leshchuk helped his team seal a crucial away win winning the duels over Cassierra and Barac. Between these two dangerous attempts Moro scored the second goal but his joy was gloomed by referee’s decision who saw an offside position of Fabián Balbuena. Former player of the White-Blues Joãozinho hit the crossbar performing a free kick.
The Moscow side withstood under the hosts' pressure. Dynamo scored 16 points and became second leapfrogging Sochi in the table. The next match our team will play against Dynamo Stavropol in the Russian Cup group round on September 22.