Guria Lanchkhuti 1–0 Dinamo Tbilisi | Georgia Cup
26 July 2026, 20:30

In one of the most stunning upsets of the Georgia Cup first round, second‑tier side Guria Lanchkhuti knocked out perennial heavyweight Dinamo Tbilisi with a 1–0 victory at the Chele Arena. The result sends shockwaves through Georgian football and gives the underdogs a place in the next round of the national knockout competition.

How the Upset Happened

Dinamo Tbilisi, the club with 19 Georgian league titles, dominated possession from the kick‑off, but Guria’s disciplined defensive shape frustrated the visitors. The hosts sat deep, invited pressure, and looked to strike on the counter‑attack. Their game plan bore fruit in the 37th minute when forward Guga Bakuradze collected a long clearance, shrugged off a defender, and drove a low shot past Dinamo goalkeeper Luka Gugeshashvili.

Dinamo pushed hard for an equaliser after the break. Coach David Khubashvili introduced attacking substitutes, but Guria’s back line – marshalled by veteran centre‑half Zurab Khizanishvili – stood firm. A flurry of corners and crosses in the final 15 minutes were repelled, and Guria held on for a famous victory.

Tactical Story

Guria’s game plan was executed to perfection: absorb pressure, stay compact, and rely on set‑pieces and counters. Dinamo Tbilisi, meanwhile, lacked a cutting edge. Their star striker Giorgi Kvilitaia was quiet throughout, with Guria’s double‑team tactics effectively nullifying his threat. The visitors registered 14 shots but only four on target, none of which truly troubled goalkeeper Nika Chanturia.

Standout Players

• Guga Bakuradze (Guria) – Scored the only goal of the game with a composed finish.
• Nika Chanturia (Guria) – Made several crucial saves, including a reflex stop in the 88th minute.
• Zurab Khizanishvili (Guria) – Veteran defender’s leadership was vital in seeing out the result.

Cup Implications

The victory is a massive boost for Guria Lanchkhuti, who now advance to the second round of the Georgia Cup. For Dinamo Tbilisi, the early elimination is a major disappointment and will raise questions about the team’s mentality in knockout matches. The result also highlights the growing competitiveness of Georgian football’s lower divisions.