In the Erovnuli Liga, FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fc Meshakhte Tkibuli on 23 June 2026 at their home ground. The win keeps Iberia in the race for the top positions, while Meshakhte remain entrenched in the lower half of the table after a spirited but ultimately losing effort.

Match Overview

Iberia started brightly and took the lead in the 14th minute. A long ball over the top found Giorgi Kvekveskiri, who controlled well and finished across the goalkeeper into the far corner. Meshakhte responded with determination, pressing higher and forcing Iberia into errors. Their equaliser came in the 33rd minute when Lasha Sharikadze headed home from a corner. The match remained tight through the second half, with both sides creating half-chances. The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute. A swift counter-attack saw Levan Shengelia play a one-two with Kvekveskiri before drilling a low shot into the net to make it 2-1. Meshakhte pushed for a second equaliser, but Iberia held firm.

Key Moments

• 14' – Kvekveskiri’s opener, a clinical finish.
• 33' – Sharikadze’s header brings Meshakhte level.
• 72' – Shengelia’s winner on the break.

Tactical Story

Iberia relied on quick transitions and the technical quality of their forwards. Meshakhte, organised in a 4-4-1-1, aimed to disrupt but lacked the cutting edge to capitalise on set pieces beyond the equaliser. Iberia’s ability to switch from defense to attack in seconds proved the difference.

Standout Players

• Giorgi Kvekveskiri (Iberia) – A goal and an assist, the creative fulcrum.
• Lasha Sharikadze (Meshakhte) – A constant threat from set pieces.

Season Impact

The victory moves Iberia up to fourth place, three points behind the leaders. Meshakhte remain in eighth, needing to turn narrow defeats into draws or wins to avoid a relegation battle.