FC Rostov produced a strong comeback to defeat Rodina Moscow 4–2 in a six-goal Russian Premier League thriller at Arena Khimki on Friday.
Rodina made a flying start when Iker Pozo put the hosts ahead in the fourth minute, but Rostov quickly responded and levelled the contest through Ivan Komarov’s 16th-minute penalty.
The visitors then took control after the break, scoring three goals in a devastating 22-minute spell to establish a commanding 4–1 lead before Rodina pulled one back through an own goal.
Rostov eventually sealed all three points when Daniil Shantaliy added a fourth goal in the 90th minute, completing a convincing victory after the visitors had overcome the early setback.
Rodina started brightly and needed only four minutes to break the deadlock. Artem Maksimenko provided the assist for Pozo, who finished to give the home side a 1–0 advantage.
Rostov responded with increasing pressure and were rewarded in the 16th minute when Komarov converted from the penalty spot to restore parity.
The visitors went into the break level, but they emerged from the interval with much greater attacking intent.
Rostov took the lead for the first time in the 52nd minute when Rodina defender Mitja Krizan turned the ball into his own net to make it 2–1.
Four minutes later, Andrey Langovich extended Rostov’s advantage, finishing from a Konstantin Kuchaev assist to put the visitors 3–1 ahead.
Rodina were handed a lifeline in the 74th minute when Oumar Sako scored an own goal, reducing the deficit to 3–2.
However, Rostov remained composed and continued to threaten on the counter. The visitors finally put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute when substitute Daniil Shantaliy scored from Langovich’s assist to make it 4–2.
The final whistle confirmed Rostov’s first victory of the new Premier League campaign after their opening-day defeat to Orenburg. Rodina, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive league defeat following their 3–0 loss to Spartak Moscow in the opening round.
Rostov also finished the match with the statistical advantage, registering 24 shots to Rodina’s eight and producing an expected-goals figure of 1.95 compared with Rodina’s 0.60. Possession was relatively even, with Rostov edging it 51 per cent to 49.
Andrey Langovich was named Rostov’s standout performer after scoring once and assisting another, while Ivan Komarov also made a significant contribution with his first-half penalty.
The result gives Rostov an important three points and a significant confidence boost after their disappointing opening-day defeat, while Rodina will be left to reflect on another difficult outing following their promotion to the Russian top flight.
FULL TIME: RODINA MOSCOW 2–4 FC ROSTOV
Goals:
4′ Iker Pozo (Rodina)
16′ Ivan Komarov (Rostov, penalty)
52′ Mitja Krizan (Rodina, own goal)
56′ Andrey Langovich (Rostov)
74′ Oumar Sako (Rostov, own goal)
90′ Daniil Shantaliy (Rostov)
