FC Orenburg staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat FC Rostov 2–1 at the Gazovik Stadium on Sunday, overturning a second-half deficit with two goals in the final five minutes of regulation time.
Rostov appeared on course for an opening-day victory after defender Viktor Melekhin put the visitors ahead seven minutes into the second half.
However, Orenburg refused to give up and were rewarded for their late pressure when substitute Ruslan Kul equalised in the 85th minute before Andrey Kasadzhikov completed the comeback in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
The result gives Orenburg three points from their opening fixture of the 2026/27 Russian Premier League season, while Rostov left Orenburg empty-handed despite enjoying the greater share of possession.
The visitors controlled 59 per cent of possession and registered 14 shots compared with Orenburg’s nine. However, Orenburg were more efficient in front of goal, scoring twice from their late opportunities.
The opening half ended goalless, with both sides struggling to turn possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Rostov eventually broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when Viktor Melekhin scored to give the visitors a 1–0 advantage.
Orenburg responded with a series of changes as they searched for an equaliser. Ruslan Kul was introduced in the 80th minute, and the move quickly paid dividends.
Five minutes after coming on, Kul levelled the contest in the 85th minute, with Andrey Kasadzhikov providing the assist.
With the game heading towards a draw, Orenburg continued to push forward and were rewarded in the fourth minute of added time.
Kasadzhikov found the decisive goal to complete a remarkable turnaround and hand Orenburg a 2–1 victory.
The victory is a particularly significant start for Orenburg, who had defeated Rostov 1–0 in their previous league meeting in April. The latest result means Orenburg have now won their last two league encounters against Rostov.
Rostov will be left to rue their inability to protect the advantage despite having more of the ball and more attempts, while Orenburg will take confidence from their late fightback as the new campaign gets underway.
FULL TIME: FC ORENBURG 2–1 FC ROSTOV
Goals:
47′ Viktor Melekhin — Rostov 0–1
85′ Ruslan Kul — Orenburg 1–1
90+4′ Andrey Kasadzhikov — Orenburg 2–1.
