FC Metalurgi Rustavi Knock Out Samtredia with 2-1 Georgia Cup Win

FC Metalurgi Rustavi advanced in the Georgia Cup with a 2-1 victory over Samtredia on September 26, 2026. The cup tie, played under a 9:00 p.m. kickoff, saw Samtredia take an early lead before Rustavi responded with a disciplined second-half comeback. The result sends Rustavi through and leaves Samtredia to focus on their league campaign.

Cup football often rewards teams that manage moments well, and that was the story here. Samtredia impressed in the opening half-hour, but Rustavi’s ability to adjust after the break proved decisive. The 2-1 scoreline was narrow, yet Rustavi’s control in the final 20 minutes made them deserving winners.

How the Match Unfolded

Samtredia began with energy and took the lead in the 23rd minute through Giorgi Kapanadze, who met a low cross at the near post and redirected it past the goalkeeper. The home crowd responded, and Samtredia continued to press, looking to add a second goal before half-time.

Rustavi survived that pressure and gradually found their footing. In the 54th minute, Levan Tskhadadze equalised with a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area. The goal shifted the momentum, and Rustavi began to dominate possession and territory.

The winner came in the 82nd minute. Tornike Gorgiashvili timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from the right, heading the ball into the bottom corner. Samtredia pushed forward in the closing minutes, but Rustavi defended with composure and saw out the victory.

Key Moments

• 23rd minute: Giorgi Kapanadze gives Samtredia a 1-0 lead with a sharp near-post finish.
• 54th minute: Levan Tskhadadze equalises for FC Metalurgi Rustavi with a long-range strike.
• 82nd minute: Tornike Gorgiashvili heads in the winning goal for Rustavi.
• Final minutes: Samtredia send bodies forward, but Rustavi’s defence holds firm.

Tactical Story

Samtredia started with a high tempo, pressing Rustavi’s defenders and looking to force mistakes in wide areas. Their early goal came from exactly that kind of pressure. However, as the game progressed, Samtredia’s energy dipped, and they struggled to maintain the same intensity without the ball.

Rustavi adjusted their shape after half-time, pushing their full-backs higher and creating overloads on the flanks. That allowed them to pin Samtredia back and deliver more crosses into the box. The equaliser came from a central turnover, while the winner was a classic wide-to-central attacking move. Rustavi’s substitutions also added fresh legs in midfield, helping them control the final stages.

Standout Performers

Levan Tskhadadze was Rustavi’s engine, driving forward from midfield and scoring the crucial equaliser. Tornike Gorgiashvili’s headed winner showed his aerial strength and timing. In defence, Rustavi’s centre-backs recovered well after a shaky opening period.

Samtredia’s Giorgi Kapanadze was the standout for the home side, taking his goal well and causing problems with his movement. The goalkeeper also made important saves to keep the tie close, but Samtredia could not find a late response.

What the Result Means

For FC Metalurgi Rustavi, the 2-1 win is a meaningful step in the Georgia Cup and a confidence boost for the squad. Cup runs can transform a season, and Rustavi will now look forward to the next round with belief. For Samtredia, the defeat is painful, but the performance provided positives, particularly in the first half. The challenge now is to turn that early promise into consistent league form.