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Spartak’s Dramatic Late Victory Ends Month-Long RPL Drought
In a gripping match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Spartak Moscow secured a much-needed win against Sochi with a last-gasp goal in the 91st minute. This thrilling victory marked Spartak’s return to the winner’s circle in the Russian Premier League (RPL) after a month-long dry spell, with their last triumph dating back to August 5.
Originally slated to take place in Sochi at the Fisht stadium, the match was relocated to Moscow due to concerns about the playing surface. Despite the change in venue, the intensity of the encounter remained undiminished, ultimately culminating in a 1-0 victory for Spartak.
The winning moment came courtesy of Srdjan Babic, whose stoppage-time goal in the 91st minute sent Spartak fans into jubilation. The euphoria of this late strike was a stark contrast to the fourth minute when Sochi’s goal was disallowed due to an offside call.
Spartak’s triumph was even more impressive considering their four-match winless streak in the RPL leading up to this game. This victory rekindled their hopes and reasserted their competitive prowess.
However, the victory was not without its share of challenges. Sochi concluded the match with only ten players on the field, as Vanja Drkusic suffered an injury in the 85th minute, leaving coach Dmitry Khokhlov with no substitutes.
Notably, this victory marked a significant turning point for Spartak, as they had struggled in recent away matches. Sochi had faced eight consecutive RPL away defeats, managing to score only one goal during this challenging stretch.
The pivotal moment that secured victory for Spartak was orchestrated by Quincy Promes, who provided the assist for Babic’s match-winning goal. This assist broke Promes’ three-match goal drought and reinvigorated the team’s offensive efforts.
Babic’s goal also carried historical significance as he scored his debut goal in the RPL. Notably, the last Serbian player to find the net for Spartak in the Russian Championship was Mihailo Pjanovich back in 2006, a fact highlighted by Opta Sports.
With this crucial win, Spartak now boasts 13 points and occupies the sixth position in the RPL standings, revitalizing their campaign. In contrast, Sochi finds itself with six points and holds the 12th spot.
Looking ahead, Spartak will host Dynamo on September 23, while Sochi is set to face Krylia Sovetov in Samara. The stage is set for further exciting clashes in the upcoming rounds of the RPL.
